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
It Don
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)
The Boswell Sisters' song "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" is a classic swing era tune that celebrates the importance of swing music in creating an enjoyable and lively atmosphere. The song suggests that even if the music is sweet or hot, it doesn't matter as long as the rhythm has swing. The opening line of the song emphasizes the importance of this swing element by stating that the music "doesn't mean a thing" without it. The lyrics encourage people to sing and give the rhythm "everything you've got" to create a dynamic and lively atmosphere that is infectious and enjoyable to all.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
Something lacks significance or value
If it ain't got that swing
Without a swing, that something has no appeal or excitement
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These sounds repeat throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of swing
All you got to do is sing
All that's needed is to bring the swing by singing with the right rhythm
It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter
If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's slow and gentle or fast and intense
Just give that rhythm
Play the music with a strong and consistent beat
Ev'rything you got
Put your all into it
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The lack of swing continues to be a problem
If it ain't got that swing
Without the swing, the music remains uninteresting
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The repetition of these sounds reinforces the idea that swing is a crucial element of the music
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MaxOchs
Their harmonies, their immaculate intonation, the genius of their invention like organized improvisation, and a great sense of humor. You are right this is darn near perfect. Check out their version of "Crazy People".. You can't hear it and stay depressed. They were the greatest of sister acts.
@raywatkins9322
Oh, oh, oh: sweet beyond measure, and I'd never hoid of these sweeties. I'm hooked; I'll be chasing these jewels down. This cut is an opera!!
@raywatkins9322
So grateful to know you, my brother. Your obedient slave, Ray.
@crdrcrd
Amen
@rachelbaker3511
My favorite cut! Is that Connie on the refrain?
@songman1955
Wow - discovered the Boswells from Wikipedia when I looked up the Andrews sisters . They were awesome 👏 👏👏👏
@SunnyLyngdoh
Ditto
@RoryVanucchi
Doesn't get any better. One of the great Ellinton and swing songs ever, Boswell Sisters unique and Connee up there at the top jazz singers.
@ruthc8407
An optimal Boswell performance is a lunatic concoction with multiple key changes, 4 or 5 tempo shifts executed with precision, unexpected returns to the verse, choruses sung in what sounds like pig latin and blues refrains or complete reharmonization of the melody thrown in just because they felt like it and had the chops to pull it off." —Tom McDermott
@louiscrrose
The three beauties from New Orleans! Very grateful to have been surrounded by music like this from birth!