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
The Darktown Strutter's Ball
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
BETTER BE READY ‘BOUT HALF PAST EIGHT
NOW HONEY DON'T BE LATE
I WANNA BE THERE WHEN THAT BAND STARTS PLAYING
JUST REMEMBER WHEN WE GET THERE HONEY
BLUE STEPS I'M GONNA HAVE THEM ALL
DANCE ALL ? MY SHOES WHEN THEY PLAY THOSE JELLY ROLL BLUES
TOMORROW NIGHT AT THE DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL
In the lyrics to The Boswell Sisters' song The Darktown Strutter's Ball, we see a fun and upbeat invitation to a party. The singer is telling their honey to be ready by half past eight, so that they can catch the band when they start playing. They urge their honey not to be late, as they want to be there for every moment of the celebration. When they get there, the singer plans to show off their Blue Steps dance moves and dance all night to the Jelly Roll Blues. The invitation is for tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutter's Ball.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be inviting the listener to come and have a great time at a party. The references to specific styles of dance and music add to the festive atmosphere, while the mention of the Darktown Strutter's Ball adds a touch of excitement and exclusivity to the invitation. The song can be seen as a reflection of the joy and revelry that was a common part of life during the Jazz Age in America.
Line by Line Meaning
I'LL BE DOWN TO GET YOU IN A TAXI HONEY
I will come to pick you up in a taxi, my sweetheart.
BETTER BE READY ‘BOUT HALF PAST EIGHT
Please be prepared to leave at eight-thirty.
NOW HONEY DON'T BE LATE
Ensure to arrive on time, my dear.
I WANNA BE THERE WHEN THAT BAND STARTS PLAYING
I desire to be present at the moment the band begins playing.
JUST REMEMBER WHEN WE GET THERE HONEY
Always keep in mind, my love, when we arrive there,
BLUE STEPS I'M GONNA HAVE THEM ALL
I am going to execute the blue steps perfectly.
DANCE ALL ? MY SHOES WHEN THEY PLAY THOSE JELLY ROLL BLUES
I will dance all night long, my shoes won't stop moving, especially when they play the Jelly Roll blues.
TOMORROW NIGHT AT THE DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL
All of this will happen tomorrow night, at the Darktown Strutter's Ball.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shelton Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Albert Plus Alexander Sandoval
on Stop the Sun, Stop the Moon
How the hell do you not have the lyrics just pay attention to what they say you idoits