Definitely the most talented and arguably the all-around best jazz vocal group of all time, the Boswell Sisters parlayed their New Orleans upbringing into a swinging delivery that featured not only impossibly close harmonies, but countless maneuvers of vocal gymnastics rarely equalled on record. Connee (sometimes Connie), Helvetia (Vet), and Martha Boswell grew up singing together, soaking up Southern gospel and blues through close contact with the black community. They first performed at vaudeville houses around the New Orleans area, and began appearing on local radio by 1925. At first, they played strictly instrumentals, with Connee on cello, saxophone and guitar; Martha on piano; and Vet on violin, banjo, and guitar. The station began featuring them in a vocal setting as well, with Connee taking the lead on many songs (despite suffering from polio that had crippled her and left her in a wheelchair).
Word of their incredible vocal talents led to appearances in Chicago and New York, and the Boswell Sisters began recording in 1930 for Victor. By the following year, they'd moved to Brunswick and reached the Hit Parade with "When I Take My Sugar to Tea," taken from the Marx Brothers' film Monkey Business and featuring the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra in support. The trio continued to work with many of the best jazzmen in the field (including Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti, and Bunny Berigan), and appeared in the 1932 film extravaganza The Big Broadcast with Bing Crosby and Cab Calloway. The Boswell Sisters hit the top of the Hit Parade only once, in 1935, with "The Object of My Affection" from the film Times Square Lady. One year later however, both Martha and Vet retired from the group in favor of married life.
Connee had already made a few solo sides for Brunswick as early as 1932, and she continued her solo career in earnest after the Boswell Sisters parted. She hit number one twice during the late '30s, with the Bing Crosby duets "Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?)" and "Alexander's Ragtime Band," and continued recording into the '60s.
Thanks a million Boswell Sisters for joining our ministry of Blues. It's all about peace, love, understanding, and GROOVE! Hope to perform for you sometime, just not too soon. Enjoyed your tunes. Wishing you the very besy in Blues and life and afterlife! -Big Daddy
Hello darling! We wish to thank you for adding us to your wonderful page. It is a pleasure to have your frienship. Please take time to remember the men and women of our armed forces. Love and much happiness to you and yours, Bette Davis, John Garfield and the Hollywood Canteen ~ ~
always again, i'm listening your records and get happy about them everytime. wouldn't want to miss them while i'm djing. many thanks for all this good moments witch grow out of your work.
Why is it so hard for me to say hello, You’ve hit my heart like an arrow, Give me your endless breath, So I could cheat death, I feel your heart beat in my chest.
Hello friends, thank you for adding to the list of friends of the Boswell Sisters!It is a great honor for me. These days I listen to these great artists with great pleasure! Happy Holidays, Best New Year, and Very Happy Jazz 2009! Luis.
