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.
Start the Day Right
Connee Boswell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta stretch just a little, bend just a little, you'll feel OK
Sing while you're washing, sing while you're dressing
Carefree and gay
Ho-dle-ay start the day right
Back to the window, up with the window, down with some air
Off with the slippers, on with the shoes and then comb your hair
Out of the bedroom, into the kitchen
Ho-dle-ay start the day right
Though the skies be cloudy
Smile and all the world say's "Howdy"
Off with the blanket, up with the curtain, greet the new day
In with the sugar, down with the jam, but don't you delay
Out of the kitchen, out of the cottage
Sing on your way
Ho-dle-ay start the day right
On with the day
Come on now, Satch, you feel OK
Sing while you're washing, sing while you're dressing
Gat on outa that hay
What d'ya say we get some of the air
Come on, rugged, comb your hair
Out of the bedroom, into the kitchen
Come and get it, breakfast is there
Though the skies be cloudy
(It sure do look like rain don't it)
(clear up directly)
Smile and all the world says "Howdy"
Off with the blanket, up with the curtain, greet the new day
In with the sugar, only two lumps please, don't you delay
Out of the kitchen, out of the cottage,
Singing on your way
Ho-dle-ay start the day right
That's right
Hear what I'm tellin' ya
That's right
Ho-ho-ho-dle-ay, that's the only way
You gotta start the day right
Well, roll it
Quickly
The lyrics of "Start The Day Right" by Connee Boswell & Bing Crosby are about the importance of starting the day positively. The song is filled with instructions on how to begin the day, such as by opening the window to let air in, getting dressed, and starting to sing. The idea is that beginning the day in a positive frame of mind will help one carry that positivity throughout the day. The song is an upbeat tune that encourages listeners to start their day with a smile, even if the skies are cloudy.
The lyrics also speak to the idea of being carefree and in good spirits, which is emphasized through the use of the phrase "ho-dle-ay." The song suggests that engaging in cheerful activities, such as singing while getting dressed, can help one start the day right. The lyrics also include exchanges between the two singers, encouraging one another to stay positive and start the day with enthusiasm.
Overall, "Start The Day Right" is a lighthearted and optimistic song that encourages listeners to begin each day with a positive attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Off with the blanket, down with the window, on with the day
Throw off your blankets, open the window, and get ready to start your day
You gotta stretch just a little, bend just a little, you'll feel OK
Take a moment to stretch and loosen up your body, and you'll feel better
Sing while you're washing, sing while you're dressing
Sing a happy tune while you're getting ready for the day
Carefree and gay
Be carefree and joyful
Ho-dle-ay start the day right
Let's begin our day on a good note
Back to the window, up with the window, down with some air
Go back to the window, close and open it again, and let some fresh air in
Off with the slippers, on with the shoes and then comb your hair
Take off your slippers, put on your shoes, and groom yourself by combing your hair
Out of the bedroom, into the kitchen
Leave your bedroom and go to the kitchen
Breakfast is there
Breakfast is ready for you
Though the skies be cloudy
Even if the weather is not great
Smile and all the world say's "Howdy"
Smile and people will greet you kindly
Off with the blanket, up with the curtain, greet the new day
Get out of bed, open the curtains, and welcome the new day
In with the sugar, down with the jam, but don't you delay
Put sugar in your breakfast, but don't take too long to do it
Out of the kitchen, out of the cottage
Leave the kitchen and go out of the house
Sing on your way
Sing while you're going about your day
Come on now, Satch, you feel OK
Come on, Satch, how are you feeling?
Gat on outa that hay
Get out of your bed
What d'ya say we get some of the air
Shall we open the window and let some fresh air in?
Come on, rugged, comb your hair
Come on, my friend, comb your hair
Come and get it, breakfast is there
Breakfast is ready for you to eat
(It sure do look like rain don't it)
(It looks like it's going to rain soon)
(clear up directly)
(But it'll clear up soon)
That's right
That's correct
Ho-ho-ho-dle-ay, that's the only way
We should definitely start the day this way
You gotta start the day right
It's important to start the day off on the right foot
Well, roll it
Alright, let's get started
Quickly
Let's get a move on
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AL LEWIS, CHARLES TOBIAS, MAURICE SPITALNY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@allertonoff4
i am far far far from a crosby fan but