8 – SONGS OF WARTIME

WartimeSince the American independence, there have been nine major wars. The United States has won seven, tied one (Korea) and lost one (Vietnam). The Vietnam War was the only period where America became severely criticized from within and anti-war songs outnumbered those of patriotism. Even during the 1991 Desert Storm campaign, public support was overwhelming. A group of top pop stars recorded a patriotic ballad titled "Voices That Care."

Some songs connected with wartime came into being through rather curious circumstances. The incredibly popular "Dixie" was written on April 3, 1859 by Daniel Emmett, a northerner. It was introduced one day later at Mechanics Hall in New York City by The Bryant Minstrels. Rumsey & Newcomb first performed it in the South in Charleston, South Carolina in December of 1860. It later became the rallying cry for the Confederate troops during The Civil War (1861 - 1865) and came to symbolize "Johnny Reb" and to this day it is representative of The Gallant South. Another long-lived song of the period was the classic "Aura Lee," written by William Whiteman Fosdick (1825 - 1862). It was later revived by Elvis Presley as "Love Me Tender" in 1956.

World War One propaganda often dictated the topic of the rousing patriotic anthems like those composed by the songwriters of Tin Pan Alley. The master of the genre was the unstoppable George M. Cohan whose songs, "Over There," "Give My Regards To Broadway" and "You're A Grand Old Flag" were written expressly to produce stirring emotions. They became temporary relief from the horrors of war, reinforcing the troops' assurance of their country's support.

The classic "There's A Long, Long Trail a-Winding" was written by young Yale University student named Alonzo Elliot in 1913. Other well-known hits of World War One included "It's A Long Way To Tipperary," "Pack Up Your Troubles," "Keep The Home Fires Burning" and "Mademoiselle From Armenteers."

Entertainers during World War Two travelled to the war zones, often risking their own lives to entertain the troops. Several big band leaders such as Glenn Miller enlisted and formed military bands. A great number of Hollywood stars helped raise money for the cause as well as touring military camps. Glamour queen Betty Grable emerged as the major pinup of the period and artists like Marlene Dietrich, Al Jolson, Jane Froman and The Andrews Sisters contributed an amazing amount of their time to the war effort. The great singer/comedienne Martha Raye was entertaining troops all over the world before the formation of the USO. Her tireless efforts throughout three wars earned her numerous awards and medals as a nurse as well as an entertainer. But no one could ever begin to compete with the irrepressible Bob Hope in his ongoing support of servicemen all over the world. Hope, an American institution, is single-handedly responsible for setting the standards in the entertainment of the forces.

A good song delivered by a dynamic entertainer could have dramatic impact on a wartime audience. British singing star Vera Lynn, affectionately known as "The Sweetheart Of The Forces," built her entire career on her reputation as the definitive singer of "the songs of the blitz." To this day, she continues to perform the songs she immortalized in the 1940's at nostalgic concerts for veterans. Her American equivalent was powerhouse vocalist Kate Smith. In 1939, she recorded her classic version of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Actually, the number had been a minor success more than two decades earlier (see Tin Pan Alley) but during World War Two, it ensured Smith's position as a symbol of American patriotism. In Sept., 1942, country singer Elton Britt's inspiring "There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" went to #7 nationally, making it the very first country crossover hit. Other famous songs of the period include "Keep The Home Fires Burning," "Roll Out The Barrel," "Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major" and the classic march, "Colonel Bogey."

During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, Navy chaplain William Maguire made the now famous remark, "Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition." It inspired the hit recording of the same name by Kay Kyser & His Orchestra. Written by Frank Loesser, it became somewhat controversial since many clergymen complained about its association with God and death. However, it became the rallying cry when America entered World War Two.

In the 1960's, Sgt. Barry Sadler had a tremendous hit with "The Ballad Of The Green Berets," one of the few pro-Vietnam War songs. However, as the war dragged on, support waned and a multitude of anti-war songs such as Country Joe McDonald's "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die-Rag" and Edwin Starr's "War" flooded the market. Sadler's hit was later spoofed by Bob Seger in his comical "Ballad Of The Yellow Berets"(1966), concerning the plight of a draft dodger.

Although many performers were instrumental in entertaining the troops, the following artists names are synonymous with the songs of wartime and patriotism.

GEORGE M. COHAN

AL JOLSON

BOB HOPE

MARTHA RAYE

KATE SMITH

THE ANDREWS SISTERS

VERA LYNN

GRACIE FIELDS

LALE ANDERSEN

MARLENE DIETRICH

JANE FROMAN

SGT. BARRY SADLER

A SELECTED LISTING OF WORLD WAR TWO RECORDINGS

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