Constance Foore "Connee" Boswe… Read Full Bio ↴From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Constance Foore "Connee" Boswell (December 3, 1907 - October 11, 1976) was an American female vocalist born in Kansas City, Missouri but raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. With her sisters, Martha and Helvetia "Vet" Boswell, she performed in the 1930s as The Boswell Sisters and became a highly influential singing group during this period via recordings and radio. Connee herself is widely considered one of the greatest jazz female vocalists and was a major influence on Ella Fitzgerald who said, "My mother brought home one of her records, and I fell in love with it....I tried so hard to sound just like her."[1]
In 1936, Connee's sisters retired and Connee continued on as a solo artist (having also recorded solos during her years with the group).
The Boswells came to be well known locally while still in their early teens, making appearances in New Orleans theaters and radio. They made their first recordings for Victor Records in 1925, which included "Cryin' Blues" where Connee is featured singing in the style of her early influence, the African American singer Mamie Smith. The Boswell Sisters became stage professionals that year when they were tapped to fill in for an act at New Orleans' Orpheum Theatre. They received an invitation to come to Chicago and perform in 1928 and honed their act on the Western Vaudeville Circuit. When their tour ended they traveled to San Francisco. The hotel that had been recommended had a less than savory reputation, and the man at the desk suggested that these three young ladies might be better off in another hotel. That man, Harry Leedy, would later become their manager on a handshake and become a permanent part of Connee's life.
The Boswell Sisters travelled to Los Angeles where they performed on local radio and "side-miked" for the soundies, including the 1930 production "Under Montana Skies." did not attain national attention, however, until they moved to New York City in 1930 and started making national radio broadcasts. After a few recordings with Okeh Records, they made numerous recordings for Brunswick Records from 1931-1935. In 1935, the sisters had a #1 hit with "The Object of My Affection", the biggest of twenty top 20 records they would enjoy.
In 1936, the group signed to Decca Records and after just three releases called it quits (the last recording was February 12, 1936). Connee Boswell continued to have a successful solo career as a singer for Decca.
All through her career with The Boswell Sisters, and well into the 1940s, her name was spelt "Connie". She later changed the spelling to Connee, reputedly because it made it easier to sign autographs.
Connee Boswell was also an arranger (the legendary Boswell Sisters harmony arrangements are hers) and a composer.
Connee sang from a wheelchair - or seated position - during her entire career, due to either a childhood bout with polio or a childhood accident (sources differ). The general public was not aware of her condition although Boswell herself did not keep this secret. During World War II, she tried to get involved with the U.S.O. tours but was not given permission to travel overseas. The "powers that be" apparently thought it might not be a morale-booster to have a "cripple" perform for the troops.
Connee Boswell was a favorite duet partner of Bing Crosby and they frequently sang together on radio as well as recording several hit records as a duo in the 1930s and 1940's. Boswell, Crosby, and Eddie Cantor recorded a version of Alexander's Ragtime Band that was a #1 hit in 1938.In 1939, Crosby and Boswell had three hit duet records that each climbed into the top 12 on Billboard; "An Apple For The Teacher" climbed all the way to #2.
Connee Boswell also had several dozen solo hits, including "Moonlight Moon" in 1942. Boswell's career slackened in the 1950s but she still recorded occasionally and would be featured on a number of television broadcasts including a regular stint on the 1959 series "Pete Kelly's Blues".
Connee Boswell died at age 68 in 1976. A number of her recordings are now available on CD, both as a soloist and part of the Boswell Sisters.
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Connee Boswell Lyrics
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Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
You forgot your promises, every single vow
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
How can I forget the hours that I worried through
Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
In those days you never thought anything of me
But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
The lyrics of Connee Boswell's song "I Cried For You" describe the journey of a person who was in a toxic relationship. They used to weep about the things their partner said to them and couldn't even sleep. The partner didn't keep any of their promises and only laughed at them. However, things have changed now. The singer of the song has moved on and found someone else who treats them better. The partner is now experiencing the pain that the singer went through, and they are the ones crying now.
The song is essentially about the process of healing from a toxic relationship. The singer has struggled and cried for their partner but has finally found happiness after moving on. The partner's turn to cry signifies that they are now experiencing the pain and regret that the singer was going through. The song ends on a positive note with the singer rejoicing that they have found someone who appreciates them and treated them better than their previous partner.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember other days how I used to weep
I recall a time when your hurtful words made me cry
Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
Your words kept me up at night and caused me great distress
You forgot your promises, every single vow
You broke your commitments and failed to follow through on your word
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
You used to mock my pain, but now the tables have turned and you are the one hurting
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
I once shed tears for you, but now it's your time to experience heartache because of me
Every road has a turning
Every path in life has a change or shift in direction
That's one thing you're learning
You are discovering this truth about life firsthand
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
My past behavior of crying over you now seems foolish to me
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I have found someone with even more captivating eyes than yours
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I have discovered a person with a heart that is more genuine and devoted than yours
Now it's your turn to cry over me
You now must deal with the same pain and sadness that I once experienced due to your actions
How can I forget the hours that I worried through
I cannot erase the memories of the countless hours I spent worrying about our relationship
Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
I spent my days wondering how to fix our problems and what steps to take next
In those days you never thought anything of me
You did not appreciate me or value our relationship during that time
But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free
I used to be completely devoted to you, but now I am no longer bound to you and free to move on with my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gus Arnheim, Arthur Freed, Abe Lyman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
X X
she was a marvelous singer , but her life is even more impressive , and should be made into a movie !
John Benn
WOW
Wonderful version of a golden oldie sung by a fantastic vocalist!
len farmer
One of the best versions of this I have ever heard!
jeremynv89523
What a VOICE!! She plays her vocal cords like a Stradivarius.
len farmer
On her one woman broadway shows she would often be swinging gently on a swing in a long evening gown...she was so lovely...no one else can touch this version...
Dillan Taylor
len farmer amen
Robert Silvestri
Connee suffered polio. She always was either in a wheelchair or seated. Hence the long gowns.
Kevin Mitchell
Beautiful rendition of Stormy Weather!!! I love that feel and sound.
G Boo
boy she puts a lot of feel too this song by the way her voice carry's this song love love love this mrs connie đź’–
An Cat Dubh
The teenage Boswell Sisters were a leading vocal act in New Orleans by the early 1920s. Their older brother Clydie was a big fan of the early jazz movement, and their mother encouraged their musical interests. As kids, their home was regularly visited by jazz musicians like Louis Prima and his brother Leon, Monk Hazel, Leon Roppolo and Ray Bauduc. Clydie supposedly drove his little sisters around town to listen to performances at the churches and jazz halls. So they were steeped in the local music scene. Their act was known for being innovative in both the song and vocal arrangements - lots of unexpected tempo, rhythm and key changes occurring in mid-song.
Ella Fitzgerald grew up imitating Connie (Connee) Boswell. She obviously found her own vocal style once she was singing professionally. “Who influenced me? There was only one singer who influenced me. I tried to sing like her all the time, because everything she did made sense musically… and that singer was Connie Boswell.” - Ella Fitzgerald