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
If It Ain't Love
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
It don't mean a thing
All you got to do is sing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Oh, it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" by The Boswell Sisters describes the soulful rhythm and uplifting mood that occurs when music has the swing. The chorus repeats the phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" several times, emphasizing the importance of having the right beat and groove in a song. The song suggests the idea that the quality of music is measured by the form of rhythm that it contains.
The song argues that even if a song is sweet or hot, it won't matter if it lacks the proper rhythm. The Boswell Sisters' interpretation of the tune describes swing as an essential element that must be present in music to make it truly engaging and worthwhile. The lyrics suggest that music should not just be pleasing to the ears but also have an implicit motivating force that makes people want to get up and move to its beat.
In conclusion, "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" by The Boswell Sisters truly puts emphasis on the importance of the swing and the essence of rhythm in music. The song's overall message is that good music must contain more than just a melody and should be created with a form of unique rhythm that ignites the listener's spirit with energy.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The importance is not there
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has the right feeling
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude
It don't mean a thing
The importance is not there
All you got to do is sing
Just use your voice
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude
It makes no diff'rence
It's all the same
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's mellow or fast-paced
Just give that rhythm
Put everything into the beat
Ev'rything you got
Use all your energy
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The importance is not there
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has the right feeling
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@odietamo9376
There is nobody better. I’m crazy about them. I never tire of listening to them. I wish I had a time machine to see them live. . . and if really lucky, to be at one of their late night recording sessions.
@RedcoatsReturn
Curses, I was born 50 years to late! Still, thanks that I can hear and see them now😍
@paolozignani
Adoro i gruppi vocali, specialmente femminili, e le Boswell Sisters sono un meraviglioso esempio di abilità musicale, con il dono di voci di sogno. Ascoltarle per me è un incanto: mi fanno sognare!
@roybo1930
These AWESOME Girls could certainly belt out a song! man this is just fantastic indeed!
@livviegoat
music can still be like this! we just gotta get out there and create it =D
@orchardist6559
Thanks for your posts and YouTube these wonderful sisters are being much enjoyed today. Merci beaucoup Aad
@AadJuijn
Thank you too for your nice comment! Grtz, Aad
@dennis3065
Dorsey Brothers were lucky to know them, and vise versa.
@everybodylovesmybaby
Great song, which would be lost if it wasn't for this recording. Credited two three greats, Andy Razaf, Don Redman, and Thomas "Fats" Waller.
@hoopjnky
This song was featured in the recent bust of a movie "All the Kings Men." Just afew bars, but enough to earn the Sisters a note in the credits.