THE BOSWELL SISTERS - ROLL ON MISSISSIPPI ROLLON

ROLL ON MISSISSIPPI ROLLON

THE BOSWELL SISTERS

SONGWRITERS: EUGENE WEST; JAMES MCCAFFREY & DAVE RINGLE

COUNTRY: U. S. A.

ALBUM: ROLL ON MISSISSIPPI

LABEL: RCA VICTOR

GENRE: JAZZ

YEAR: 1931

 

        The Boswell Sisters were an American close harmony singing trio of the jazz and swing eras, consisting of three sisters: Martha Boswell (June 9, 1905 – July 2, 1958), Connee Boswell (original name Connie, December 3, 1907–October 11, 1976), and Helvetia "Vet" Boswell (May 20, 1911– November 12, 1988). Hailing from uptown New Orleans, the group was noted for their intricate harmonies and rhythmic experimentation. They attained national prominence in the United States in the 1930s during the twilight years of the Jazz Age and the onset of the Great Depression.

       When the trio formally split in 1936, Connie continued as a solo vocalist in radio, film, and later television for an additional quarter of a century. The trio's "unique singing style and ground-breaking arrangements fused 'blackness' and 'whiteness' in music," and their collaborations with "the preeminent white swing musicians of their day—the Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw—had a profound effect on the development of the big band sound in the 1930s." When assessing their legacy, scholars claim the Boswell Sisters "made 'real' jazz commercially viable, destigmatizing the music and opening its appreciation to the wider American public."

Hear that whistle, there goes the bell.

That means we’re on our way

All aboard boys, I’m feelin’ swell.

This is my happy day.

 

Paddlewheel, you’re mighty, mighty slow.

That’s why I keep on shoutin’

Let her go.

 

Roll on, you Mississippi, roll on.

Come on, you lazy steamer, quite your stallin’ and move along.

Clear the river, here we come. Watch her smoke boys

Hear that engine hummin’, lawdy.

Take a look at that shore, with the folks I adore.

 

There’s a spot

Round that bend

That’s my home

My journey’s end

 

Come on, you old man river, come on

Roll on, you Mississippi, roll on.

 

New Orleans, hello! Bye bye, New Orleans

Gettin’ long, goin’ strong.. Baton Rogue, so long.

Say Cap’n, tell me what’s the next big town we’ll see.

I’m so excited I’m as happy as can be, oh…

 

Roll on, you Mississippi, roll on

Come on, you lazy steamer, move on

 

Clear that river, here we come.

What her smoke, boy, hear that hum.

 

There’s a spot, round that bend, that’s my home, my journey’s end.

Here we come!

Doggone, you old man river, come on

Move on, you lazy steamer, move on.

Roll, on, you Mississippi, roll on, You, Mississippi, roll on!