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.
When the Saints Go Marching in
Connee Boswell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the sun, refuses to shine (Repeat x2)
I still, want to be in that number
When the sun refuses to shine
I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in (Repeat x2)
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in (Repeat x2)
I still want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Connee Boswell's song "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a jubilant celebration of Christian faith, inspired by the biblical Book of Revelation. The song reflects the belief that righteous believers will be rewarded with a place in heaven when Jesus returns to Earth. The first verse expresses the earnest desire of the worshippers to be included among the company of saints who will be called up to heaven in the last days. The second verse asserts the steadfastness of faith even in the face of natural calamities like the sun refusing to shine. The third verse repeats the exhortation to joyful singing and clapping, signifying the triumph of the saints over sin and death.
The lyrics of "When the Saints Go Marching In" have been adapted and modified over the years by various artists, but the original song was a traditional gospel hymn. It has been recorded by numerous musicians in various styles, including jazz, blues, rock, and country, and has become a popular choice for marching bands, sports events, and funeral processions. The song has a deep resonance with African American culture, particularly in New Orleans, where it is often played during Mardi Gras and other festive occasions.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I can't wait for the day when the chosen ones ascend to heaven
I want to be in that number
I aspire to join the chosen ones in their holy journey
When the saints go marching in
When the righteous make their journey to the kingdom of heaven
Oh, when the sun, refuses to shine
Even in the face of adversity and darkness
I still, want to be in that number
I remain steadfast in my desire to be among the saints
When the sun refuses to shine
Even in times of despair and suffering, I seek salvation
I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
I will rejoice and celebrate with loud and passionate expression
Yes, I want to be in that number
My faith and devotion remain unshaken: I want to join the ranks of the saints
I still want to be in that number
Despite any obstacles that may arise, I remain resolute in my quest for spiritual enlightenment
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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