From New Orleans, they were classically trained and switched over to jazz as they grew up along with the form. First recorded in 1925, they went on to play vaudeville and ended up on radio in California. After being heard coast to coast on one of the first nationwide radio hookups, they became stars of radio in NYC headlining both their own programs, as well as working on shows with Bing Crosby and The Mills Brothers until the trio disbanded in 1936, mainly due to their marriages. They also appeared in many films of the time. (See youtube)
Connie Boswell, who later changed the spelling of her name to Connee, continued as a solo singer after the demise of the group, influencing singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. She did all this despite being unable to walk alone due to childhood polio and other back injuries.
"There is only one person I ever tried to sing like and that person was Connee Boswell."
Ella Fitzgerald, NBC News interview
"Connee Boswell is, without a doubt, the most widely imitated singer of all time."
Frank Sinatra
The best website on them is www.bozzies.com.
www.TheBoswellSisters.com
www.Facebook.com/theboswellsisters
www.Twitter.com/thesistasdotcom
Alexander's Ragtime Band
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh ma honey, oh ma honey
Better hurry and let's meander
Ain't you goin', ain't you goin'?
To the leader man, ragged meter man
Oh ma honey, oh ma honey
To Alexander's grandstand, brass band
Ain't you comin' along?
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and near
It's the best band in the land
They can play a bugle
Like you never heard before
That's so natural that you wanna go to war
That's just the bestest band what am
Honey lamb
Come on along, come on along
Let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, to the man
Who's the leader of the band?
If you want to hear that Swanee Music
Played in ragtime
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Come on and hear Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Come on and hear Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and hear
It's the best band in the land
They can play a bugle
Like you never heard before
That's so natural that you wanna go to war
That's just the bestest band what am
Honey lamb
Come on along, come on along
Let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, up to the man
Who's the leader of the band
Come on along, come on along
'Cause it's Alexander's ragtime band
Come on along, gather around
'Cause it's Alexander's ragtime band
The lyrics to The Boswell Sisters' "Alexander’s Ragtime Band" describe the invitation to listener to join the excitement of the titular band’s performance. The song opens with a welcoming invitation to "come on in" and is followed by a playfully urgent appeal to "hurry and let’s meander." The chorus encourages the listener to "come on and hear" the best ragtime band in the land and to join them in experiencing the band’s infectious rhythm and musical prowess. The song then describes the band’s ability to play a bugle like "you never heard before" and suggests that the band’s music is so natural that the listener wants to go to war. The song comprises of both narrative and instructions that guide the audience to the leader of the band to experience the "Swanee Music" in ragtime.
Overall, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" is an upbeat and inviting song that encapsulates the raucous excitement of the era. It is a lively tune that celebrates the jazz age and the musical groups that defined it. The song has become an American classic, with its catchy melody and lyrics that urge the listener to join in the party.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on in
Invitation for someone to enter the room or space.
Oh ma honey, oh ma honey
Term of endearment used to express affection towards someone.
Better hurry and let's meander
Let's go for a leisurely stroll, but with a sense of urgency.
Ain't you goin', ain't you goin'?
Asking someone if they are coming along.
To the leader man, ragged meter man
Referring to the person who leads the ragtime band.
Let me take you
Offer to escort someone to a specific location or event.
To Alexander's grandstand, brass band
Referring to Alexander's ragtime band that plays in public places.
Come on and hear, come on and hear
Encouraging someone to listen and enjoy the music.
It's the best band in the land
Promoting the band as being the best in the area.
They can play a bugle
Praising the band's musical abilities, specifically playing the bugle.
Like you never heard before
The music is unique and impressive.
That's so natural that you wanna go to war
The music is powerful and evokes a strong emotional response.
That's just the bestest band what am
Stating that the band is the absolute best.
Honey lamb
Endearing nickname for someone.
Let me take you by the hand
Offering to guide someone to the band's location.
Up to the man, to the man
Referring to the band's leader once again.
Who's the leader of the band?
Asking for confirmation of the band's leader.
If you want to hear that Swanee Music
If you want to hear music from the South, specifically the Swanee River.
Played in ragtime
Played in the lively, syncopated style of ragtime music.
Come on and hear Alexander's ragtime band
Another invitation to come and listen to the band.
Come on along, gather around
Inviting people to come and listen to the band together.
'Cause it's Alexander's ragtime band
Emphasizing that the band being referred to is indeed Alexander's ragtime band.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Miguel Osvaldo Flores Dominguez
Catchy tune, nice singing, nice instrumentation, nice song.
ivan washington
that is a superior 78 rpm dub, all the others I've heard sounded like they were recorded under a blanket. good job :)
Atticus Jazz
Thank you! You might enjoy my other sound restorations aswell...
Peter Hendriksma
Even if I had 10 thumbs, it would still not be enough! I love each and every Bozzies' side, but this one must be one of their very very best. Connie (or should I write Connee) is a her 'foghorny' (her words) best, the Dorseys'' band at its tightest playing, a superlative side. 'Come on Martha, Conny & Vet! Let's do it one more time!'
Kim Williams
Absolutely hands down the best cover of this song.
Fred Beever
Love those Boswell Sisters. Nice collection of photos, too.
Antonio HG
Roger the Alien and Steve Smith in the Ferrari.
Yo ?!!!
Cual es su cuota fredy