The Andrews Sisters were three actual sisters: redhead Laverne Sophia (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), brunette Maxene Angelyn (January 3, 1916 - October 21, 1995), and blonde Patricia Marie (born February 16, 1918). Born and brought up in Minnesota to a Greek immigrant father and a Norwegian American mother, they started performing when they were under ten years old. They formed their group singing style by copying the singing style of the Boswell Sisters. Their fame grew during the pre-World War II years, and when America went to war, they were quick to volunteer to entertain the troops around the world at military hospitals, in war zones, and in the U.S. at war production factories. They were also instrumental in helping Bette Davis and John Garfield create the famous Hollywood Canteen to entertain soldiers before they left for war.