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
You Oughta Be In Pictures
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're wonderful to see,
You oughta be in pictures,
Oh what a hit you would be!
Your voice would thrill a nation,
Your face would be adored,
You'd make a great sensation
with wealth and fame your reward;
When we're alone,
You'd make ev'ry girl and man
A fan worshiping at your throne.
You oughta shine as brightly
As Jupiter and Mars;
You oughta be in pictures,
My star of stars.
The Boswell Sisters's song 'You Oughta Be In Pictures' is an upbeat and romantic tune that expresses the admiration and desire for the person the singer is addressing to become a celebrity. The lyrics suggest that the person in question possesses exceptional physical attributes that are worthy of appearing on the big screen. The song seems to plead with the person to pursue a career in the film industry and become the star that they were born to be. The writer praises both the person's physical appearance and the quality of their voice, predicting that it would "thrill a nation". The suggestion is that the person would make an excellent actress or even singer if they decided to pursue such a career. The song finishes by expressing the writer's desires for the person to shine just like our planets, Jupiter and Mars.
The lyrics of 'You Oughta Be In Pictures' are an example of the romantic and optimistic tone of music during the Hollywood Golden Age. The use of such positive language played an essential role in helping people escape reality in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The use of a female singer, The Boswell Sisters, to express the writer's admiration for the unknown woman in the lyrics, shows how popular female singers were during this time. On a deeper level, the song can also be interpreted as being about the American dream in general, where anyone can become successful through hard work and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
You oughta be in pictures
I believe your vibrant personality and appearance should be showcased in Hollywood movies.
You're wonderful to see
You are strikingly attractive and stunningly charming.
You oughta be in pictures
I am convinced, beyond any doubt, that films would be a great platform for you to express yourself.
Oh what a hit you would be!
You would be a tremendous success, and your talents would be recognized and celebrated by many.
Your voice would thrill a nation
Your incredible voice has the power to captivate and inspire the entire country.
Your face would be adored
Your stunning facial features would be highly admired and loved by all those who see you on the big screen.
You'd make a great sensation with wealth and fame your reward;
You would undoubtedly become an enormous sensation, and your success would bring you great riches and fame.
And if you should kiss the way you kiss When we're alone, You'd make ev'ry girl and man A fan worshiping at your throne.
Your passionate kissing skills are truly unparalleled, and if everyone knew the way they made me feel, they would undoubtedly bow down to you as their ultimate idol.
You oughta shine as brightly As Jupiter and Mars;
You have an enormous amount of talent and potential, and your light should shine as brightly as the most prominent celestial objects in our solar system.
You oughta be in pictures, My star of stars.
I believe that you should be a prominent figure in the film industry, and that you have the potential to become the biggest star of them all.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANA SUESSE, EDWARD HEYMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason byington
Wow I've never heard this one before. I love discovering new boswell sister songs. They are my absolute favorite!
E and S M
My mom would sing the refrain around the house (back in the early '60's). First time hearing the whole song. Delightful!
S R
That explains how I somehow know this tune. Maybe my mom sang it as well.
Gabriel Fernandez
Idk why this song gives me chills 😰
Kooky Coco
maybe cuz of halloween horror nights
LadyArchimedes
Have you met the Director?
Redcoat‘s Return
Just love those Boswell gals! 🤩
🌼mochawytch🌼
I haven't heard this version in so long. Thank you 🌹🌹💋💋
anna gates
Love it! The Beals Loved this tune!
Aldo D
My mom used to sing this to me lol