Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 3, 1907 in New Orleans, LA

Death

:

October 11, 1976 in New York City, NY

 

Connee Boswell was an American jazz and pop singer who was born on December 3, 1907, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the youngest of three sisters, all of whom would go on to become successful musicians. Boswell's parents were vaudeville performers, and she grew up surrounded by music and entertainment. Boswell began performing with her sisters, Martha and Helvetia, at a young age. They formed a trio called The Boswell Sisters and began performing in vaudeville shows and on radio programs. The group quickly gained popularity for their tight harmonies and unique arrangements of popular songs. In 1930, The Boswell Sisters signed a recording contract with Brunswick Records. They released a series of successful records, including "Heebie Jeebies" and "Rock and Roll." The group's popularity continued to grow, and they began performing in films and on radio programs. In 1936, The Boswell Sisters disbanded, and Connee Boswell began a solo career. She signed a recording contract with Decca Records and released a series of successful records, including "Moonlight and Shadows" and "I'm Shooting High." Boswell's smooth, sultry voice and impeccable phrasing made her a favorite among jazz and pop fans. Boswell continued to perform on radio programs and in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. She appeared in several films, including "Syncopation" and "The Big Broadcast of 1937." She also hosted her own radio program, "Connee Boswell's Hollywood Hotel." In 1941, Boswell won the Down Beat magazine poll for best female vocalist. She continued to win the poll for the next three years, cementing her status as one of the most popular singers of the era. During World War II, Boswell performed for troops overseas and recorded several patriotic songs, including "There'll Be Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover" and "I'll Be Seeing You." Her performances were a source of comfort and inspiration for soldiers far from home. After the war, Boswell continued to perform and record. She appeared on several television programs, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Perry Como Show." She also recorded several albums, including "Connee Boswell Sings Irving Berlin" and "Connee Boswell Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook." Boswell's career slowed down in the 1950s, but she continued to perform and record sporadically. She made her final recording in 1958 and retired from music soon after. Throughout her career, Boswell was known for her smooth, sultry voice and impeccable phrasing. She was a pioneer in the jazz and pop genres and inspired countless singers who came after her. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999. Boswell passed away on October 11, 1976, at the age of 68. She left behind a legacy of beautiful music and a lasting impact on the world of jazz and pop.

More....