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.
On the Isle of May
Connee Boswell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through the heavens
And it was June
June on the Isle of May
Your lips were sweet
As the heaven
Love was in bloom
Close in your arms
Heaven opened its doors
Then like a fool
I sailed away
But our love
Will bring us together
When it is June
June on the Isle of May
Close in your arms
Heaven opened its doors
Then like a fool
I sailed away
But our love
Will bring us together
When it is June
June on the Isle of May
The lyrics of Connee Boswell's song "On the Isle of May" is a romantic tale of a couple who spent a lovely time together on a picturesque island called the Isle of May. The song starts with the two of them strolling amidst the heavenly surroundings of the island in a beautiful month of June. The singer describes the sweetness of her lover's lips, and how love blossomed between the two of them on that enchanting island. They were so lost in each other's company that it felt like heaven had opened its doors for them.
However, the singer had to leave, and she felt like a fool for doing so. But she is optimistic that their love will bring them together again, that they will reunite on the Isle of May in the month of June when everything is in full bloom, and the island is at its most beautiful. The lyrics are deep with emotions and serve as a reminder of the moments when one realizes that true love is forever.
Overall, the song "On the Isle of May" is a soulful love story that triumphs even when lovers are apart. It paints a beautiful picture of pure, innocent love while acknowledging the hardships and distance that come with relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
We strolled along
We walked casually together on the Isle of May.
Through the heavens
As we walked, we were surrounded by the beauty of the sky.
And it was June
The month was June, which is known for its warm weather and long days.
June on the Isle of May
The combination of June and the Isle of May made for a stunning environment.
Your lips were sweet
The person I was with had soft, desirable lips.
As the heaven
Their lips were as sweet as the beauty of the sky that we were looking at.
Love was in bloom
Love was blossoming between us.
There on the Isle of May
Our love was growing specifically on the Isle of May.
Close in your arms
I was held tightly by the one I loved.
Heaven opened its doors
It felt as if a gate to paradise had opened up.
Then like a fool
Regrettably, at some point, I made a foolish decision.
I sailed away
I left the Isle of May and the person I loved behind.
But our love
Despite the distance between us, our love remained strong.
Will bring us together
At some point in the future, our love will reunite us.
When it is June
Similar to when we were together before, it will be in the month of June.
June on the Isle of May
And this time, we will enjoy the beauty of the Isle of May together once again.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID, KOSTELANETZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
This is one of my favorite Connee sides of this period -- or any in her long career, really. As a student of classical cello in her youth, I'm sure she was well acquainted with the Tchaikovsky piece in its original form. Her tone and interpretation are flawless.