FEATURES
The Evolution of Remarkable Sister Groups From the 1930s to Present Day
By Victoria Shaffer
Brought up in the same household and raised on identical musical influences, there is little question as to why sisters have historically established such outrageously successful bands. What may be less noted or recognized is the complex evolution these sister groups have sustained. Emerging prior to women’s rights, sister groups provided indisputable evidence as to the sort of musicians and performers women were capable of becoming. As time progressed and the number of sister groups multiplied exponentially, there became no question as to the impact they were making. Full of determination and moxie, sister groups deserve recognition for their groundbreaking influence and vast catalogue of celebrated music.
1930s Following the stock market crash of 1929, the 1930s were a decade of extreme economic hardship. One frequent escape from this demoralizing Great Depression was the radio, specifically, the uplifting and distracting music it was known to routinely promote. Alongside countless other popular musicians from this flourishing musical time were one of the first commercially successful sister troupes, the Boswell Sisters. Acquiring massive radio success throughout 1930-1935, the Boswell Sisters were not only trailblazing jazz singers but also skillful instrumentalists. Martha Boswell was a proficient pianist; Helvetia Boswell was an accomplished violinist, guitarist, and banjo player; and Connee Boswell excelled on cello, saxophone, and trombone, while simultaneously composing the musical arrangements for several of the group’s most successful tunes. Carefully crafting a solid standing for female performers, the Boswell Sisters also developed a successful blueprint for sister groups who aspired to reimagine the possibilities behind the bond of sisterhood and take full advantage of its seemingly magical pull toward musical collaboration.
Boswell Sisters
10 Guitar Girl Magazine
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