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
That's How Rhythm Was Born
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody whose sayin' hidee hi too,
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou,
That's how rhythm was born
They've praised the mighty forgiver,
They've washed their sins in the river,
Cold water made 'em all shiver,
Folks came down,
Gathered round that old swiney shore,
Caught the craze and sang his praise,
They all cried why don't you give us some more
Down south, the banjos cry too,
Everybody's singin' hidee hi too,
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou,
That's how rhythm was born
Down south, the banjos cry too,
Everybody whose sayin' hidee hi too,
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou,
That's just how rhythm was born
They've praised the mighty forgiver,
They've washed their sins in the river,
Cold water well it made 'em wanna shiver,
That's how rhythm was born
Folks came down,
Gathered round that old swiney shore,
Caught the craze and sang his praise,
And cried, come on, gimme some more
You can ask anyone sir,
They lights will be over yonder
Yady yady yady yady yady yadi
That's how rhythm was born
Banjo's cry too
Don't they hidee hi too
Dance on the Bayou
That's just the reason that rhythm was born
Praise and forgivin
Wash their sins in the river
Cold water makes 'em all shiver
And that's just the reason rhythm was born
Folks came down
And gathered around that swiney shore
Caught the craze and sang his praise
They all cried why don't ya gimme some more
Ask you anyone sir,
And they be glad to answer you sir,
The lights will be over yonder,
That's just the reason that rhythm was born
That's how rhythm was born
The song "That's How Rhythm Was Born" by The Boswell Sisters is a lively and upbeat tribute to the origins of rhythm in the South. The lyrics describe the joyous atmosphere of the Bayou, where banjos cry and everyone sings "hidee hi." The song attributes the birth of rhythm to the praise of the "mighty forgiver" and the washing away of sins in the river, evoking the religious and spiritual roots of Southern music. This leads to the gathering of folks around the "swiney shore," caught up in the craze and singing praises for more of the infectious rhythm. The refrain repeats that this is "just how rhythm was born," emphasizing the significance and historical importance of this musical form.
The song's lyrics celebrate the cultural origins of rhythm in the South, intertwining themes of religion and music. It suggests that the joyous, communal experience of music is rooted in the shared experiences of community and faith. The lyrics also pay tribute to the innovators of rhythm who created and popularized the musical style that we know today. Overall, the song is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Down south, the banjos cry too,
Even the banjos in the southern states of America express a strong emotion, which serves as an integral part of the culture that eventually gave birth to rhythm.
Everybody whose sayin' hidee hi too,
People from all walks of life, regardless of their status or belief, celebrate and participate in the rhythm through their unique expressions, such as saying 'hidee hi.'
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou,
The natural elements and environment of the Bayou set the stage and create the mood for the rhythm to develop and thrive.
That's how rhythm was born
All of the aforementioned cultural and natural factors, combined with human creativity and ingenuity, give birth to rhythm as we know it.
They've praised the mighty forgiver,
The people of the Bayou and surrounding areas express their deep religious and spiritual beliefs by praising the almighty God.
They've washed their sins in the river,
Along with praising God, people seek redemption and purification by washing their sins in the nearby river, which also symbolizes their connection to nature.
Cold water made 'em all shiver,
The sensation of cold water adds to the spiritual experience and reinforces the idea of purification through discomfort.
Folks came down,
People from different parts came to the Bayou region to experience and participate in the unique rhythm born out of the local culture.
Gathered round that old swiney shore,
The specific location of the Bayou, its surrounding swampy areas, and its history and folklore all contribute to the unique settings and atmosphere that nurture the rhythm.
Caught the craze and sang his praise,
The rhythm and its associated culture become a popular and infectious craze that everyone participates and sings praise for.
They all cried why don't you give us some more
The captivating nature of the rhythm makes people crave for more and express their desire to experience it again and again.
You can ask anyone sir,
The popularity and pervasiveness of the rhythm across the Bayou region is such that anyone can testify to its existence and influence.
They lights will be over yonder
The Bayou and surrounding areas have a distinct, recognizable visual landscape that is often associated with the rhythm and its culture.
That's just the reason that rhythm was born
All the cultural, natural, and human factors that contribute to the uniqueness and popularity of rhythm come together to create this unique cultural phenomenon.
Don't they hidee hi too
The expression 'hidee hi' is so deeply ingrained in the local culture that even the banjos mimic or participate in it.
That's just the reason that rhythm was born
Reinforcing the idea that everything mentioned earlier, from the banjos to the Bayou, and the culture and folklore of the region, are interconnected and gave rise to rhythm.
And they be glad to answer you sir,
Again, emphasizing the pervasiveness and popularity of the rhythm in the Bayou region and the willingness of people to share their experiences and testimonies about it.
Contributed by Riley W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
charles wiggins
My favorite Boswell Sisters song . Needs to be three minutes longer. 😄 Just makes you happy all over.
Esmee Phillips
This track is unusual. In 1932 the Bozzies were at the peak of their daring in playing around with compositions, but here they stick to one tempo and restrain incidental tricks of phrasing. They never cut loose.
Perhaps rhythm had to be born before it could be shredded the way they did on, say, 'Crazy People'. Likewise, suiting the song's theme of jazz in its infancy, Connie never sounded blacker than her growl at 1:29, evoking a big blues momma. The closing passage on the banjo is also nostalgic, since the guitar was rapidly displacing it.
Sharon Kerman
It seems to me that Connie's "hot" entrance and force in her first solo make this one of the most striking masterpieces of that miraculous year for the Boswells. And her "Come on, give us some more" expands on that growl.
MeFirst please
That transition at 0:45-0:48 from them all sing to connies solo is amazing.
orchardist65
Boswell’s, banjo, clarinet, can’t miss. Thank you for sharing.
Peter Hendriksma
The Bozzies invented close harmony singing. Before them they only sang in traditional harmony, with third and fifth choruses. But Conny and Martha used all posslble chord changes. Vet was a fill-in. The first two really were the genial musicians.
Artigas1960 Millan
La fuerza y la alegrÃa de este tema de las hermanas Boswel es impresionante! Le levanta el ánimo a cualquiera
ReM'mBer Music Selection
magnificent musical trio with a very good sound quality !!!
Brandibb
Amazing song! Love it!
keocntsy
Wonderful!!! It's a pity that these tight harmonies that were so popular have gone out of fashion. It took REAL talent to do this. Wonder if any of our currant pop stars could even do it? Thanks for sharing this wonderful, joyous music.