Music has played a great role in our lives and in the same way it has played a great role in times of war. Regardless of the type of music, it has become an instrument for propaganda, entertainment, recuperation, and upliftment. Music has pervaded many homes, stages, military camps, factories, and even hospitals. Much like poetry (https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2018/10/17/bringing-poetry-to-the-cruel-history-of-comfort-women/), music became an expression of the people’s innermost emotions ranging from sadness to hate.
So what is the type of music being played during the time of war?
Music came in the various genre during the war. Many artists have composed songs purposely to keep the Patriots reminded of family, hope, and freedom. In this post, let us take a look at songs that had kept the troops sane during the war.
The Andrews Sisters – Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, recorded in 1941 kept the troops dancing and snapping their fingers. The song lifted their spirits even in the middle of chaos.
Bless ’em all – VERA LYNN
Recorded in 1940, Bless ’em all motivated many troops throughout the world. While the lyrics of the song had been said to be written by Fred Godfrey meant for the Royal Naval Service.
Glenn Miller – In The Mood
The song “In The Mood” is made known by bandleader Glenn Miller in the year 1939. The music is among the best arrangements of the era.
Chordettes – Lollipop
Sang by the Chordettes of the 1940s to early 50s, Lollipop is among the famous pop and vocal harmonies of the era.
Long Ago And Far Away – Jo Stafford
The song had been first made popular in 1944 in the musical Cover Girl starred by Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth. The song lyrics had been written by Ira Gershwin and music by Jerome Kern.
For every music played and for every song sang, the generation that came before us remained strong and clung to music as entertainment and food for the soul. Somehow it kept them alive amidst the darkest hours and brought them hope when everything seems to have been lost in war.