Some called the radio station demanding they throw them out of the studio.
Others called to brag about their talents, their arrangements, their sass.
Boswell sisters had been singing together since their Vaudeville days as teens.
Connee played sax and trombone,
Vet played banjo and guitar and Martha held down the piano.
They were popular in their hometown of New Orleans, playing with big bands.
Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman all knew them.
These sisters blended “blackness” and “whiteness”, natural for them.
They loved to rework and rearrange popular songs; they were musicians.
They appeared in a film with Bing Crosby and Cab Calloway.
This led to thirteen appearances on the Bing Crosby Show.
Ella Fitzgerald patterned her style after Connee Boswell.
As did the Andrew Sisters a few years later.
The Boswells had a profound effect; incorporating scat, jazz and swing.
Benny Goodman, Band Leader
A letter was left in mailbox I wanted to see
Which had been only meant for me;
When I opened it and did read;
Was about a band someone did lead.
Last name was Goodman and first Benny;
Times we played together had been many;
For music he always had a natural knack;
Fans wanted him to keep coming back.
People would cheer and hands clap;
Him on his back would often slap;
Great music put you in the mood
After his band you heard and viewed.
Now that the days have all gone by,
And here at home I often cry;
Many happy times there had been;
Wish God would bring him back again.
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