In the 30s three men brought the word "crooner" into the English language—Crosby, Columbo and Vallee. By the 40s it was Frank Sinatra who led the hit parade. Even as he playfully sang the novelty number "Dick Haymes, Dick Todd and Como"—which referred to his rivals "breathing down his neck"—Sinatra knew that he was the leading voice in a pack that supplanted the big bands (where nearly all of them started) as the dominating sound of the land. In the process, doors swung open for these singers, as well as for fellas like Nat Cole, Billy Eckstine, and later, Tony Bennett.

While those names continue to be remembered to this day, other talented and popular vocalists from the same era are not so well-remembered. A short list would include Johnny Desmond, Herb Jeffries, Buddy Clark, Bob Eberly (and his brother, with slight spelling variation, Ray Eberle)—and the subject of this review, Andy Russell.

Andy Russell was the first truly successful Latino-American vocalist. Armed with a warm baritone that was a natural for the romantic ballads of the day, he plays that card often and rather convincingly on Songs for Lovers Only.

Andy Russell was born Andres Rabajos, a native Los Angeleno, to Mexican parents on September 16, 1919. From 1939 to 1943, Andy worked in a series of Los Angeles' finest bands, including those of Gus Arnheim and Alvino Rey. It has been said that Andy Rabajos so reminded Gus Arnheim of vocalist Russ Columbo—who was tragically killed in a gun accident at 26—that he suggested Rabajos change his surname to Russell in tribute.

1944 was a big year for Andy Russell. Venturing out as a solo attraction, he soon garnered enough radio airtime to develop a strong following in spite of the ongoing recording bans and rationing that made recording difficult during the war. Russell, like many of his peers, turned to the only sessions allowed—those for V-Discs, the recordings made exclusively for American troops.

Later that same year, Russell was signed to a recording contract with the fledgling Capitol Records label. Virtually overnight, Russell became a romantic sensation with a string of hit singles that lasted throughout the 40s, starting with his first million-selling hit "Besame Mucho", followed by what would become his signature song, "Amor".

Through at least a dozen hits, including the lovely "I Dream of You," "Laughing on the Outside (Crying on the Inside)," "Pretending" and "The Anniversary Song," Russell not only topped the charts, he also enjoyed huge popularity on a number of radio programs , including Your Hit Parade and Your Show of Shows. In addition, he completed at least four Hollywood films during this decade.

Some of Andy Russell's favorite hits are revisited on Songs for Lovers Only, including fine renditions of "Magic Is the Moonlight", "I Can't Begin to Tell You", and "They Say It's Wonderful", which respectively start this set. Songs for Lovers Only consists of material taken from two Armed Forces Radio Service programs entitled Mail Call and Your Personal Album (or Personal Album) dating from 1945 to 1947. Also of interest on this compact disc is hearing Dinah Shore introduce a sweet version of "I'll Never Love Again" that finds Andy singing first in English, then in Spanish, without missing a beat.

This is one of but a few compact discs available with the music of Andy Russell—few others have been issued, a situation that we hope will change. Until then, this impressive, budget-priced 11-song collection will serve as a fine introduction to Andy Russell's keen ballad singing that made the gals swoon.

Andy Russell passed away on April 16, 1992. His simple headstone, located in a cemetery near Los Angeles, aptly bears the name of his signature song—"Amor".