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
Lonesome Road
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before you travel on.
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Before you travel on.
Look up, look up and greet your maker,
For Gabriel blows his horn.
Travelin' down that lonesome road,
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Before you travel on.
Weary totin', it's such a load,
Whike I'm travelin' down, travelin' down that lonesome old road,
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Before you travel on.
The Boswell Sisters' song "Lonesome Road" is a poignant and contemplative piece that speaks to the uncertainty and isolation of life's journey. The song begins with the repeated phrase "Look down, look down that lonesome road/ Before you travel on" which serves as a warning to the listener to consider the path they're on before continuing forward. The second verse encourages the listener to "look up, look up and greet your maker" in preparation for the end of their journey, referencing Gabriel's horn as a symbol of judgement and the afterlife.
The third verse speaks to the weariness and burden that can come with traveling this lonesome road, acknowledging the struggles and hardships that may come along the way. The repetition of "weary totin', it's such a load/ while I'm travelin' down, travelin' down that lonesome old road" emphasizes the weight and difficulty of carrying one's own baggage while navigating through life.
Overall, the song speaks to the universal experience of feeling alone and uncertain in the face of life's challenges. It serves as a reminder to take a moment to reflect on one's path and to acknowledge the inevitability of one's own mortality.
Line by Line Meaning
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Take a moment to reflect upon the difficult and lonely path you are about to embark upon
Before you travel on.
Before you move forward with your journey
Look up, look up and greet your maker,
Acknowledge and greet the divine before you continue
For Gabriel blows his horn.
Because the archangel Gabriel is announcing something important
Weary, totin' such a load,
Feeling extremely fatigued while carrying a heavy burden
Travelin' down that lonesome road,
Journeying through a path that is isolating and sad
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Once again, take a moment to contemplate the hardships ahead
Before you travel on.
Before you take another step forward
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, NATHANIEL SHILKRET MUSIC CO.
Written by: Jimmy Carroll
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ClarasBeau
How the angels surely must sing... Incredibly beautiful... What talent, truly. Thank you.
Redcoatâs Renaissance
A haunting lament! Beautifully sung by the sunny, sirens of the Old South, those brilliant Boswell Sistersđ„°
Esmee Phillips
Music of 'Lonesome Road' is the best known composition by Nat Shilkret: another prodigiously gifted figure in what was the Golden Age of popular music as well as Hollywood. IMO of all recorded versions this is tops.
roybo1930
Not only could they jazz up most anything they ever sang, But when thay sing ballads it is HAUNTINGLY TOUCHING!!! Like 3 sweet Angels straight from HEAVEN!
Corrie121
Great rendition of this favourite. Thanks for sharing.
Aad Juijn
Thank you too! In my opinion this beautiful performance is near to magic...Grtz, Aad
roybo1930
BOY! Both sides of this Brunswick Record will bring You to Your knees! "Going Home" is on the flip! Even the label has tears on it!
roybo1930
BOY! The End of this song really gets Me! The Sweet vocal with the sweet and EXTREMELY Sweet and very MELANCHOLY Violin with the Bitter Sweet backing has a lonesome feeling to it! Just one AWESOME Record!
Aad Juijn
Superb taste! 100% agree... Grtz, Aad
Aad Juijn
@roybo1930 When I heard this song the first time it gave me "goosebumps" ...so beautiful! Grtz, Aad