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
Lullaby of Broadway
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lullaby of Broadway
The hip hooray and ballyhoo
The lullaby of Broadway
The rumble of a subway train
The rattle of the taxis
The daffodils who entertain
At Angelo's and Maxi's
When a Broadway baby says good night
It's early in the morning
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight
Until the dawn
Good night, baby
Good night, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day
Hey!
The band begins to go to town
And everyone goes crazy
You rock-a-bye your baby round
'Til everything gets hazy
Hush-a-bye, I'll buy you this and that
You hear a daddy saying
And baby goes home to her flat
To sleep all day
Good night, baby
Good night, the milkman's on his way
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep tight, let's call it a day
Listen to the lullaby
Of old... Broad...way
The Boswell Sisters's song "Lullaby of Broadway" is a beloved classic that perfectly captures the essence of New York City. The lyrics describe the vibrant and bustling nightlife of Broadway that never seems to slow down. The song starts off with an invitation to the listener to join in and listen to the lullaby that is Broadway. This lullaby is not the traditional type; rather, it's filled with the "hip hooray and ballyhoo" of the city that never sleeps. The lyrics mention a few specific sounds associated with the city, like the "rumble of a subway train" and the "rattle of the taxis," but also reference the lively entertainment at Angelo's and Maxi's, presumably two popular nightclubs in the area.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on along and listen to
Join us and pay close attention to
The lullaby of Broadway
The soothing sounds of the bustling city
The hip hooray and ballyhoo
The excitement and buzz of the city
The rumble of a subway train
The sound of the train as it travels through the city
The rattle of the taxis
The sound of the taxis as they navigate through the streets
The daffodils who entertain
The performers who entertain the crowds at Angelo's and Maxi's
At Angelo's and Maxi's
These are places where performers entertain the crowds
When a Broadway baby says good night
When a young performer finishes for the night
It's early in the morning
It's actually already past midnight
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight
People who live in Manhattan don't get much sleep
Until the dawn
Until the sun starts to rise
Good night, baby
It's time to go to bed
Good night, the milkman's on his way
The milkman is making his rounds early in the morning
Sleep tight, baby
Sleep comfortably and soundly
Sleep tight, let's call it a day
It's time to call it a night and go to sleep
The band begins to go to town
The excitement and energy builds
And everyone goes crazy
People get caught up in the energy and excitement
You rock-a-bye your baby round
You comfort and soothe your loved ones
'Til everything gets hazy
You're so caught up in the moment, everything becomes a blur
Hush-a-bye, I'll buy you this and that
A parent or partner reassuring their loved one with gifts and promises
You hear a daddy saying
The voice of a parent, offering comfort and love
And baby goes home to her flat
The performer goes back to their home in the city
To sleep all day
To catch up on missed sleep during the day
Listen to the lullaby
Pay attention to the soothing sounds
Of old... Broad...way
The traditional, classic sounds that are unique to Broadway
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Warren, Al Dubin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
everybodylovesmybaby
Yes, the Boswell Sisters really dazzled. And they still do, seventy-five years later!
Harry Warren Fans
Wonderful rendition of this tune!
2ndviolinist
I agree. They were the best. Thanks for listening.
Norberto Guadagni
¡Uno de los mejores grupos vocales! Y lo estoy conociendo ahora. Mas vale tarde que nunca!!!
Norberto Guadagni
@2ndviolinist One of the best vocal groups! And I'm meeting him now. Better late than never!!!"
2ndviolinist
Translate to English, please.
Norberto Guadagni
One of the best vocal groups! And I'm meeting him now. Better late than never!!!"
2ndviolinist
I am glad that you came across them. Thank you for listening.
CurzonRoad
@syncopeter Interesting information... terrific posting! Thank you, Doug!
everybodylovesmybaby
I believe this one was a radio performance. That's Martha Boswell, as usual, on piano.