Now Is The Hour - Gracie Fields and a New Zealand Lullaby Turned Global Goodbye
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the poignant and poetic “Now Is the Hour”, a wartime farewell song which started life in New Zealand. They trace the tune’s journey from the 1913 piano piece “Swiss Cradle Song” through its Maori adaptation as “Po Atarau”, to its powerful role in farewelling ANZAC soldiers and its eventual transformation into the global hit we know today. Alongside Gracie Fields’ famous rendition, the episode spotlights the many competing recordings that flooded the charts in 1948, including versions by...
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Moonlight Serenade – A Signature Sound and a Vanished Star
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore one of the most iconic and romantic tunes of the wartime era - Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.” They trace the song’s evolution from a jazzy instrumental to a timeless anthem of love and longing, and reflect on the life and legacy of bandleader Glenn Miller, from his early days milking cows to buy a trombone, to his meteoric rise with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and his mysterious disappearance over the English Channel in 1944. Along the way, they delve into the technical brilliance behind...
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Lili Marlene - From Berlin to El Alamein: The Song that Crossed the Front Line
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history and emotional impact of wartime songs, focusing on the iconic “Lili Marlene”. They discuss its origins, adaptations and the various artists who have performed it, including Marlene Dietrich and Lale Anderson. The conversation delves into the song's significance for soldiers during World War II and its lasting legacy in music history. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Lauder @ Hoxton Hall East Kirkby Airfield Down at the Old...
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Keep the Home Fires Burning - Poetry and Pop Music
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine discuss Ivor Novello’s 1914 hit “Keep the Home Fires Burning”. They explore Novello’s life and WW1 service, his collaboration with lyricist Lena Guilbert Ford and her tragic death in a Zepplin raid on London in 1918. Alongside this their conversation covers the sad tale of WW1 poet and composer Ivor Gurney and Novello’s connection to another WW1 poet, Seigfied Sassoon. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Mr Fogg’s...
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Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier - Drag Kings and Things
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on Vesta Tilley’s 1907 hit “Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier”. Along the way they discuss the life of Vesta Tilley, the use of Music Hall in recruitment for Kitchener’s Army in WWI and highlight a number of the trailblazing male impersonators and their contributions to the Music Hall. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Melton Mowbray 1940s Festival ...
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I'll Be Seeing You - Sentimentality and Separation
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, hosts Tom Carradine and Lili Redman delve into the emotional and historical significance of the wartime song 'I'll Be Seeing You.' They explore its origins, the songwriters behind it and its impact during World War II. Their conversation highlights various interpretations and recordings of the song, emphasizing its universal themes of love, loss and hope. Through their musical analysis and personal anecdotes, the hosts bring to life the enduring legacy of this classic ballad. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: ...
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The Handsome Territorial - Novelty Dance Crazes of the 1940s
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on “The Handsome Territorial”. They delve into the life of the songwriters Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, the evolution of the Hokey Cockey and the controversies surrounding it’s origins. They look at the other popular dance crazes of the 1940s, analyze the music and lyrics of “The Handsome Territorial” and reflect on why it has faded from public memory. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES The...
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Goodnight Children, Everywhere - Evacuation's Emotional Toll
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on 'Good Night Children, Everywhere' and the legacy of Vera Lynn. They discuss her early career, her contribution to entertaining the troops in WW2 and her rise to become the “forces sweetheart”. Along the way their conversion delves into the experiences of child evacuees, an analysis of the song and the many recordings which are available and even the first polyphonic synthesiser, which featured on two of Lynn’s iconic recordings. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the...
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The Further It Is From Tipperary - The USA in WW1
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin’ from WW1. They discuss the song’s inspiration in ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’, the life of the songwriter Jack Judge and the controversies surrounding song credit. The conversation also touches on the rise of Tin Pan Alley, the prolific career of Billy Murray and the impact of recording technology on the performance style of the time. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their...
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Everything Stops For Tea - Rationing and Britain's Favourite Beverage
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Everything Stops for Tea.' They discuss the cultural significance of tea during wartime, the life of Jack Buchanan and the impact of rationing on society. The conversation also delves into various musical versions and performances, highlighting the importance of these songs in lifting spirits during difficult times. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Tom at Leeds City Varieties International Bomber Command...
info_outlineWelcome to the A to Z of Wartime Song. Let Lili and Tom take you on a journey through the songs that helped people laugh, cry and carry on during the dark days of the wartime.
Each episode they'll explore a different wartime song, unpacking its story, who sang it, and why it resonates with us and hopefully you today. Expect fascinating history, toe-tapping melodies and plenty of gossip along the way.
So whether you're a history buff, a vintage music lover, or just looking for a podcast filled with fascinating stories, then this is the podcast for you.
And of course they'd love to hear from you. If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". They're building a community of like-minded vintage song fans, and they'd love for you to be a part of it.
The first three episodes will drop on Sunday the 6th of April and after that new episodes will be available to listen to every Sunday.
The A to Z of Wartime Song is your weekly dose of history and harmony with a few surprises along the way. Until then, chin up, cheerio and carry on!