1936 - 2016 (Age 79)
Lee Andrews, the father of the Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and the lead singer of the 1950s doo-wop group Lee Andrews and the Hearts, died March 16, according to multiple news sources. He was 79.
No cause of death was announced.
Andrews formed the doo-wop group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1953. Four years later, their hits started coming: Chess Records picked up their first hits, “Long Lonely Nights” and “Teardrops” in 1957. Another hit, “Try the Impossible,” came out in 1958, after the group had moved to United Artists.
They continued to tour into the 1960s.
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In a post on Instagram, Questlove showed his love of and appreciation for his father:
“For every backstage experience. For every drum lesson. For giving me your tireless work ethic. For our father & son record binging expeditions. For our arguments over the summer I discovered #ItTakesANationOfMillions.
“For the look on your face when I told you ‘imma give this rap thing a try’ (I waited til our 2nd album to have this convo btw) For the look on your face 5 years later when I told you ‘you don't have to work no more.’ For the look on your face when a year later I was like ‘Seriously dad, you don't have to work anymore!’”
Lee Andrews and the Hearts - thank you all for the wonderful songs - love from Joe Nania still here on the 4th floor at 166 East 118th street Harlem , New York 10035
Joe Nania
September 06, 2025 | El Segundo, CA | Friend
53rd Delancey my big sister knew him from the 50s-60s Cold Grey Dawn
Rodney Davis
June 02, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
I am 70 years old and I grew up in the 60s and 70s even though we songs were in the 850s. I am an avid oldies fan. I have all his albums.
Ted Petine
January 30, 2025 | Tarpon Springs, FL | Significant_other
Saw him many times with the hearts .
Later by himself at a shereton lounge ..
He signed his album .
He was under rated . Best song “I’m sorry pillow”
Stu nosky AL
Stu Nosky
January 26, 2025 | Huntsville, AL
Dear Lee, I was very young when you were making records. But I really appreciate the music you made with the Hearts. It is smooth and soothing and heart felt. I pray that today you are in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Carol Cooley
June 06, 2024 | Joliet, IL | Friend
One of the greatest doo wop groups
Bob Abrams
April 17, 2024 | New Brunswick, NB | Friend
beautiful voice
Adelaide Abdur-Rahman
February 11, 2024 | PA | Friend
Met Lee several years ago. we took him and his band to our home, had a Birthday Party, cake and and all the goodies. he told us that he had never had a Birthday party in his life. we took pictures of the party. we went to every performance he had here in Topeks, Ks. and also in Kansas City, Mo. Very nice person. he also gave us an autographed album of Lee Andrews & the Hearts.
Modesto Vasquez
December 11, 2023 | Topeka, KS
[Teardrops] With his sort of Johnny Mathis voice was a Tearjerker Doo Wop Godsend, simply beautiful. Sincerely, Mr. Doo Wop Arizona
Joe Parks
December 10, 2023 | Scottsdale, AZ