Favorite WWII song? Lili Marleen.

[Old Mariner]

I don't have much time for a lot of the 'patriotic' or morale-boosting songs of that era, in large part because of the way WW2 has been repackaged and revised in recent timews over here. Often for political ends, even more often by people who just have no idea what it must have been like to live through a war like that, and want to celebrate it - you know, the usual mythology - "everyone pulled together, we don't have community spirit like it any more, the Blitz was great, really". That sort of dangerous nostalgia is growing in recent years, as those who were alive then pass on and are no longer able to correct it. Still, Lili-Marleen is something else. I love Dietrich's version (fascinating character; I named a cat after her - RIP Marlene Marlowe, 2008-2016). All her stuff, really. I love the notion of conscripted men from all sides enjoying that song- a rare moment of common humanity in the hell of warfare that seems like a triumph. Bit like the Christmas truce of December 2014 in that sense. I also love Lili Marlene because of its style.... more Weimar Cabaret than Andrews Sisters... German cabaret music from the Weimar era is fabulous, so wonderfully melancholic, I find it improbably uplifting.

I tend to have the same take on the militaristic songs, marches, and whatnot.

If I had to choose 1930s-40s era music, my top two choices would be Django Reinhardt and Josephine Baker. I could never really get interested in Dietrich. I tend to prefer the more low-key and relaxing type music to the "bombastic" swing music.

 

[Edward]

I tend to have the same take on the militaristic songs, marches, and whatnot.

If I had to choose 1930s-40s era music, my top two choices would be Django Reinhardt and Josephine Baker. I could never really get interested in Dietrich. I tend to prefer the more low-key and relaxing type music to the "bombastic" swing music.

Reinhardt was - arguably - the first modern 'lead guitar' player (all the more impressive for his physical "limitations"). He doesn't get the credit for it now, but without him and Robert Johnson, I am pretty sure the notion of the 'guitar hero' simply wouldn't exist now.

 

[GHT]

Reinhardt was - arguably - the first modern 'lead guitar' player (all the more impressive for his physical "limitations"). He doesn't get the credit for it now, but without him and Robert Johnson, I am pretty sure the notion of the 'guitar hero' simply wouldn't exist now.

Django Reinhardt, Minor Swing, Oh yes!

 

[Peacoat]

Django Reinhardt was one of BB King's early influences. If he was one of BB King's favorites, then that ought to tell us all we need to know.

 

[Edward]

Django Reinhardt was one of BB King's early influences. If he was one of BB King's favorites, then that ought to tell us all we need to know.

And BB, of course, was one of the Chicago School who pioneered taking the blues electric, another major link in the chain to rock and roll.

 

[Peacoat]

And BB, of course, was one of the Chicago School who pioneered taking the blues electric, another major link in the chain to rock and roll.

Yes, BB was one of the first. And let's not forget Muddy Waters who went electric soon after moving to Chicago in the mid 40s.

 

[Swing Girl]

My favorite album ever is a collection of songs by Glenn Miller And The Army Air Force Band from 1943-44 (I don't think it has a title other than that). Every song on it is a great WWII-era song, but I have to narrow it down a little bit, so as far as songs with an actual war theme, "What Do You Do In The Infantry," "Over There," and "There'll Be A Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin" are all really good. I think my personal favorite is "Peggy, The Pin Up Girl."

 

[p51]

Pretty much any of the unofficial military versions of "Bless them all"

 

[jkingrph]

I just now spotted this thread. There were so many good singers and songs from that era, that I propably now at age 75, being born just after the war ended, like the music of that era better than any. Overall my favorite singer is Vera Lynn, and the song is "Until it's time for you to go" There is another entiled "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye" that is also very good.

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Alberto Rabagliati -- Ho Travato Una Villetta (Italy, 1941)
(I Found A Cottage)

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Lili Marlene (Spanish version)