Last week when I took my wife to the doctor’s office in Knoxville I was amazed to hear 1940’s music being played in the waiting room. The music included favorites from the American songbook and big band music. The music was played very softly and it brought back memories of the good old days before rock and roll hit the scene in the 1950’s.
Hearing the music from 70 years ago was refreshing and a welcome change from the music today when most of the words in songs today are not discernible. The first half of the 40’s were spent preparing for war and entering World War II after the Dec.7, 1941 attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor.
The Armed Forces Network provided soldiers overseas with a taste of home by broadcasting radio shows to the troops. Command Performance was a particularly popular show that featured some of the biggest Hollywood stars and popular singers during the 40’s.
Singers like Peggy Lee entertained Americans during the
war years in the 40’s. Frank Sinatra and Dick Haymes
were two of the most popular singers who were known as
crooners.
The Andrews Sisters were one of the most popular singing
groups as the entertained troops at canteens set up by the
USO to entertain soldiers while on leave or before they went
overseas. Their Boogie Woogie Boy of Company B
was a fast paced song that caught on during the 40’s.
While waiting in the waiting rom for a couple of hours it was
nice to be taken back to a time when music was not laced with
expletives and was soothing to listen to.
nice to be lost in the 40’s music
Nostalgia and Now 