Connee Boswell was an American singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and actress, best known for her work with The Boswell Sisters and her solo career. She was born on December 3, 1907, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on October 11, 1976, in New York City, New York.
Personal and Family Life
Connee Boswell, originally named Constance Foore Boswell, faced health challenges early in life, as she was in a wheelchair from the age of three due to polio. Despite her condition, she pursued a successful career in music and formed The Boswell Sisters with her siblings Vet and Martha Boswell. After they left the group, Connee continued to perform solo. She married Harry Leedy, who managed her career until his death in 1975.
Career
Throughout her career, Connee recorded numerous songs that sold over 75 million copies. She was known for her jazz and popular music performances, entertaining U.S. troops during World War II and appearing in various Broadway shows. Her contributions to music included composing and arranging several pieces and becoming a member of ASCAP in 1953.
Death and Legacy
Connee Boswell died from stomach cancer on October 11, 1976. Her impact on music, especially in the jazz genre, remains significant, and her work with The Boswell Sisters is still celebrated. She is remembered for her unique voice and contributions to American music history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sleepy Time Down South | 1932-11-11 | Connee Boswell |
| Swing Parade of 1946 | 1946-03-19 | Herself |
| The Star Reporter in Hollywood | 1937-10-22 | Connee Boswell |
| It’s All Yours | 1937-09-01 | Singer |
| Kiss the Boys Goodbye | 1941-08-01 | Polly |
| Moulin Rouge | 1934-01-10 | Connee Boswell |
| The Big Broadcast | 1932-10-14 | as The Boswell Sisters |
| Artists & Models | 1937-08-04 | Self |
| Rambling ‘Round Radio Row #1 | 1932-06-25 | Connee Boswell |
| Syncopation | 1942-05-22 | Connee Boswell |
| Sunday Night at the Trocadero | 1937-10-02 | Connee Boswell |
| Close Farm-ony | 1932-01-09 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Colgate Comedy Hour | 1950-09-10 | Self |
| Pete Kelly’s Blues | 1959-04-05 | |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |