LAKEPORT — “A journey” is how Esie “Easy” Andrews described his life in a Lake County Lifestyles article published in 2002. That journey continues in spirit and in memory. On Jan. 28, surrounded by family members and loved ones, “Easy” passed away at the age 81.
Born in Los Angeles in 1926, Easy”s parents had migrated to the United States from their native land of Russia. Growing up in a Russian community in Southern California, Easy soon found himself in love with music and entertainment. Andrews” career began as a child performer where he appeared in movies with some of Hollywood”s greatest performers of that time. He tap-danced with Bill “Mr. Bojangles” Robinson, with Shirley Temple in the Littlest Rebel, with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler in Shipmates Forever, and with Joan Crawford and Clark Gable in Dancing Lady. Easy served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946 during World War II and continued to perform in officers” clubs. Upon his return to the states, Easy continued to perform and became a member of Bob Crosby”s Bobcats. In 1952, Easy, looking for a small piano to take on the road with him, desired the ability to assemble and disassemble the instrument.
Why?
Onstage, this knowledge lent itself to Easy”s act, which included pretending that his piano was falling apart. Piece by piece, the piano would come apart and eventually collapse. He would end his performance with “Boogie Woogie” on the piano strings — playing them while leaning backward over them upside down. Andrews first visited Lake County in 1955 with his musical group the Gadabouts. Sent by his talent agent up north, Easy fell in love with our beautiful county and soon made Lake County his permanent residence.
On Oct. 26 1959, Easy married the love of his life — Joann Andrews. The two met earlier in Lucerne during one of Easy”s performances. They soon bought a ranch on Adobe Creek Road and started a family.
“Easy absolutely loved Lake County,” said wife Joann. “This was his home.”
Easy had been the music director at the Lakeport Christian Fellowship for almost 20 years, and was known locally as an excellent instructor, a generous contributor of his talent to the community, and as an exceptionally gifted musician.
“Easy Andrews has been a fixture at the Lake County Fair for many years. He was cherished by fairgoers for his great musical talent and by fair staff for his charm and humor,” said Richard Persons of the Lake County Fair. “We already miss him, and we”ll miss him at every Fair for years to come.”
Andrews, up until recently, was a piano and keyboard teacher at Band Box Music in Lakeport, where his students ranged in age from 5 to 80.
“A quiet, loving grace surrounded Easy Andrews, always greeting everyone with a smile and concern for their well-being,” said Jim Williams of String & Things in Lakeport. “One of the most gifted piano players I have ever known, from boogie-woogie to jazz, he knew them all. Watching Easy play I couldn”t help but notice that his left hand never played the same thing twice, no formulas, just music flowing from the most talented yet humble person I have ever known.”
By using his vast musical experience, Andrews was able to keep both young and old students focused and interested. One of Easy”s students even took home the Miss Lake County title, thanks in part to her piano performance. According to his wife, Easy had a deep spiritual experience and no longer performed at clubs. Easy still performed frequently in restaurants, for community organizations, weddings and churches.
“If I were to characterize Easy, I would say that he had a pair of the most gifted hands, the best ear for music and the kindest heart of any musician,” said local musician Shawn Garrison. “It was my pleasure to know him.”
Easy received a Governor”s Award in 2004 for his work in Lake County. This award is given out to elder workers excelling beyond their normal duties.
“It was an honor to attend these awards in Sacramento,” said Joann. “I was very proud of him.”
He is survived by his wife, Joann Andrews; three sons, Ron, Mark and Kenny; three granddaughters, Rhema, Rebecca and Erin; daughters-in-law, Peggy, Kathy and Margie; brother, John Andrews; brother-in-law, Harry Whitlock; and several nieces and nephews. Those who knew Andrews say he is a special man who never complained, had a great sense of humor, and always had a smile on his face. With Esie “Easy” Andrews, the beat will continue to go on.
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com.
