Lee Andrews and the Hearts were one of the defining voices of the 1950s doo-wop scene. Known for their smooth harmonies and heartfelt ballads, the group made a lasting impression with hits like “Long Lonely Nights,” “Tear Drops,” and “Try the Impossible.” Formed in Philadelphia, a city that became a hub for doo-wop and soul music, the group brought a polished vocal sound that resonated with fans across the country.
Though they weren’t chart-toppers for long, their influence remained strong. Lead singer Lee Andrews, born Arthur Lee Andrew Thompson, brought a distinctive voice and emotional depth to the group’s music, leaving behind a legacy that has earned the group recognition among doo-wop fans and collectors alike.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Group Name | Lee Andrews and the Hearts |
| Frontman | Lee Andrews (Arthur Lee Andrew Thompson) |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Genres | Doo-wop, R&B, Soul |
| Years Active | 1954–1968 |
| Labels | Gotham, Mainline, United Artists, Swan, Parkway, RCA |
| Notable Hits | “Tear Drops,” “Long Lonely Nights,” “Try the Impossible” |
| Legacy | Influential 1950s doo-wop group; father of Questlove |
Early Life of Lee Andrews
Lee Andrews was born in 1936 (some sources say 1938) in Goldsboro, North Carolina. His father, Beechie Thompson, was a gospel singer with the famous Dixie Hummingbirds. When Lee was just two years old, his family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This move would prove pivotal.
Philadelphia in the 1950s was alive with music. Street-corner harmonies filled the air, and young men often gathered in groups to sing doo-wop—a style defined by rich vocal layers, tight harmonies, and romantic lyrics. Andrews was drawn to this world. At Bertram High School, he formed his first group, The Dreamers.
The Formation of Lee Andrews and the Hearts
The original Dreamers lineup included Roy Calhoun (first tenor), Butch Curry (second tenor), Jimmy McCalister (baritone), and John Young (bass). Initially focused on gospel music, the group later turned to secular doo-wop. By 1954, they adopted a new name: Lee Andrews and the Hearts—borrowing Lee’s middle names for the frontman title.
Their early days were filled with auditions and minor setbacks. A contract with Philadelphia radio personality Kae Williams fell through due to the group members being minors when they signed. After McCalister left, Ted Weems replaced him, and the group landed at Gotham Records. However, their early recordings there received little support, as label head Ivan Ballen was more focused on gospel acts.
Breakthrough with “Tear Drops” and Chart Success
View this post on Instagram
The group’s fortunes changed in 1957 when they signed with Mainline Records, run by disc jockey Jocko Henderson. Mainline’s limited distribution led to partnerships with larger labels. Atlantic and Chess Records helped reissue some of the group’s best work. That same year, Lee Andrews and the Hearts scored their first chart success with “Long Lonely Nights,” which reached #45 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Their follow-up, “Tear Drops,” became their biggest hit, climbing to #20 on the pop chart. In 1958, “Try the Impossible” reached #33, cementing the group’s place in doo-wop history. Andrews’ smooth, soaring vocals helped these ballads stand out at a time when harmony groups were plentiful.
The Decline and Aftermath
By 1959, the group’s success began to fade. Ted Weems was drafted into the Army, and Lee Andrews attempted a solo career. He recorded for Swan, Parkway, and RCA, but none of his singles caught on. Meanwhile, the Hearts rebranded as the Five Hearts and continued performing with a rotating lineup, though they couldn’t match their earlier success.
Lee Andrews later formed a new group called Lee Andrews and the Neons. While this venture also failed to break through commercially, his earlier work remained popular among oldies fans. Eventually, Andrews stepped away from the music business altogether and opened a clothing boutique.
A Quiet but Lasting Legacy
Lee Andrews and the Hearts never became superstars, but their contributions to doo-wop were significant. Their music was sincere, melodic, and relatable—hallmarks of the genre. Songs like “Tear Drops” and “Try the Impossible” have been included in various doo-wop compilations over the decades and continue to be played on oldies radio.
Lee Andrews passed away on March 16, 2016. Interestingly, he was also the father of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, drummer and co-founder of The Roots. Questlove has spoken about his father’s influence on his musical path, giving a multi-generational continuation to the Thompson family’s musical impact.
Selected Discography
Hit Singles:
-
“Long Lonely Nights” (1957) – #45 Pop
-
“Tear Drops” (1958) – #20 Pop
-
“Try the Impossible” (1958) – #33 Pop
Other Songs:
-
“Just Suppose”
-
“The Clock”
-
“Aisle of Love”
-
“Baby Come Back”
-
“You, You, You”
-
“White Cliffs of Dover”
-
“P.S. I Love You”
-
“Cold Gray Dawn”
-
“Boom”
-
“Personally”
-
“A Night Like Tonight”
-
“Quiet As It’s Kept”
These tracks showcase the group’s lyrical sensitivity and harmonic strength.
Legacy and Recognition
Lee Andrews and the Hearts are often mentioned alongside other early Philadelphia doo-wop groups like The Turbans and The Silhouettes. Though they didn’t enjoy long-term mainstream fame, their records remain collectible, and their story is frequently cited in histories of doo-wop and Philly soul.
Their blend of pop, soul, and gospel influences helped shape the sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s. And through his son Questlove, Lee Andrews’ musical influence continues to echo into the present day.