Connee Boswell Day
December 3, 1907 – October 11, 1976
Jazz Pioneer and Vocal Trailblazer
Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube
Vocalist Constance Foore “Connee” Boswell was born on December 3, 1907 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Connie was a transformative figure in jazz and popular music, known for her rich, velvety voice and impeccable phrasing. She began her career in the 1920s as part of the Boswell Sisters trio, captivating audiences with their innovative harmonies and syncopated rhythms. After the group disbanded in 1936, Connie embarked on a successful solo career, cementing her place as a jazz icon.
Her highlights include collaborating with jazz greats like Bing Crosby and the Dorsey Brothers, and influencing later vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald. Despite battling polio, which left her partially paralyzed, Connie’s vocal mastery and resilience earned her lasting admiration. Her pioneering work helped bridge the gap between jazz and mainstream pop, making her one of the most respected singers of her era.
Here she is, featured in a delightful short film from 1942, performing “Under a Falling Star.”