The Boswell Sisters were an American close harmony singing trio of the jazz and swing eras, consisting of three sisters: Martha Boswell, Connie Boswell, and Helvetia "Vet" Boswell. Hailing from uptown New Orleans, the group blended intricate harmonies and song arrangements featuring effects such as scat, instrumental imitation, ‘Boswellese’ gibberish, tempo and meter changes, major/minor juxtaposition, key changes, and incorporation of sections from other songs. They attained national prominence in the United States in the 1930s during the twilight of the Jazz Age and the onset of the Great Depression.
From left: "Vet", Connie and Martha in 1931
House on Camp Street in uptown New Orleans where the Boswell Sisters grew up
The Boswell Sisters in March 1932. From top: "Vet," Martha, and Connie.
The trio in 1931
Constance Foore "Connee" Boswell was an American vocalist born in Kansas City, Missouri but raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. With sisters Martha and Helvetia "Vet", she performed in the 1920s and 1930s as the trio The Boswell Sisters. They started as instrumentalists but became a highly influential singing group via their recordings and film and television appearances.
Boswell in 1941.
Boswell singing aboard the USS Intrepid (CV-11) in 1944.
Begonia Connee Boswell