Daniel Webster Andrews, Jr., affectionately known to many as "Danny Boy", died on September 20, 2010 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. He was born in Montgomery, AL on May 2, 1922 to Daniel Webster Andrews and Jessie Stevenson Andrews. He was brought to Winston-Salem, NC as a small child and attended public schools, graduating from Atkins High School in 1939. Dan earned the BS degree in commercial industry and music at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, AL. It was there, singing in the university choir, that he met Dr. William L. Dawson- renowned music conductor and composer, who served as a mentor to him until Dr. Dawson's death. He has been active in music for many years, working with church choirs throughout the city.
He entered the US Navy in 1943, serving as a shipfitter during World War II in the South Pacific and earning the American Campaign Medal, the Victory World War II Medal, and the Asiastic-Pacific Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
In 1982, an article published in the Winston-Salem Sentinel dubbed him "The Singing Plumber." He worked as a part of his father's plumbing business as a young man and continued his own business- D W Andrews, Jr. and Son Plumbing and Heating Company until his hands would no longer allow him to adeptly 'handle his wrenches'. He took great pride in speaking about "doing the plumbing from the ground up" in a number of major businesses in the area.
He began singing in the church choirs at a young age. His beautiful bass-baritone voice was often heard in churches and at other events in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. While at Tuskegee Institute, Dr. Dawson recognized his talent, chose him as soloist for the Tuskegee Choir and Quintet, and under his tutelage, Dan traveled widely with the choruses. Later, he served as soloist with the Hampton (VA) Institute Glee Club.
From that point forward, he remained a strong force in the world of music. In 1949, he won first prize in the Horace Heidt talent contest at Reynolds Auditorium- a first for an African-American. Subsequently, he studied in New York with the famed Frank LaForge and Roland Hayes. As a member of the Jubilee Singers, he performed in Europe, Africa, Scandinavia, The Middle East, South America, as well as throughout the US. He later traveled with the poet- Langston Hughes and pianist-composer- Margaret Bonds, performed with the Robert Shaw Chorale, and Cab Calloway.
After pursuing his dream of becoming a professional singer or opera star for several years, he decided to return to Winston-Salem, NC to work as a master plumber and continue in music. He and vocalist Sallie Cone formed a duo and became historic interracial chamber music performers. For several years, he served as cantor at the Jewish Temple Emmanuel and soloist for numerous performances at other churches and events. Along with directing several mass church choir performances, he served as music director for churches such as his home church-Goler Metropolitan, St. Paul United Methodist, and First Baptist-Highland Avenue. Under his direction, these church choirs gave yearly renditions of musical works such as Mendelssohn's Elijah, Dubois' Seven Last Words of Christ, and Handel's Messiah. In September 2001, he was invited to conduct the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra and multi-ethnic chorus at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Festival conductor, Michael Morgan, relinquished the podium to Dan to honor him for providing the initial inspiration for the national Festival, which showcases classical musicians of African descent biennially in Rochester, NY.
Two days before his death and in a weakened state, Dan began to sing verses from Negro spirituals including I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always. The strength of his voice amazed everyone who heard. He sang intermittently for several hours. Then, Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
He was preceded in death by his four siblings, James G. Andrews, Richard A. Andrews, Dorothy A. Stephens, and William H. Andrews.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; three children, Jessica D. Andrews, Yolanda McKinney, and Daniel Andrews III (Felicia); two step-children, Andrea Weatherhead (PJ) and Reginald McCauley, Jr. (Adrianne); his grandchildren, Jessica D. McKinney, Jennifer Fennell (Stephen), Christopher McKinney, and Brizhette Andrews; great-granddaughter, Jenae Alexander; step-grandchildren, Justin, Taylor, and Savannah McCauley; two devoted sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Andrews and Mary G. Andrews; there are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who have brought joy to his life.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church with Reverend Johnny L. Ruff officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Saturday at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane Winston-Salem, NC 27103.