Questlove of the hip-hop band The Roots is remembering his father, Lee Andrews, who died at the age of 79. Andrews was the lead singer of a Philadelphia doo-wop group, Lee Andrews & the Hearts.
Questlove posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram page:
The Greatest Teacher in my life, my dad Lee Andrews June 2nd 1936-March 16 2016. I love you. 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!” For bringing my mom & my sister into my life. For the years we fell out. For the years we put it back together. But really, for the last 2 conversations we had. I understand why you were so hard on me praying I didn’t succumb to a fate not meant for a teenager in west philly in the mid 80s. I didn’t understand it at the time. But I appreciate it now. I hope Donn & I do you proud. #LeeAndrewsAndTheHearts
Lee Andrews & the Hearts formed in 1953. Some of their biggest hits include “Long Lonely Nights,” “Tear Drops” and “Try the Impossible,” which was their last charting single. The band broke up for a short time in 1960 but eventually got back together and continued recording music until 1968.
As a young child, Questlove traveled with his parents on the road while they toured. He credits their musical influence for his success.
