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...
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The Deepest Shelter in Town - Blitz and Bobs
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 song 'The Deepest Shelter in Town.' They discuss the impact of music during World War II, the life of performer Florence Desmond and the role of entertainers in boosting morale. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about their experiences on the London cabaret scene, the Blitz and it’s effect on Britain, ARP (air raid precautions) and even the sex workers of London during WW2. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: ...
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Adolf - Biting Off More Than He Can Chew?
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on their cultural significance during World War I and II. They discuss the podcast's concept, the song 'Adolf', and the lives of notable figures like Annette Mills and Arthur Askey. The conversation delves into the role of variety shows, the impact of propaganda songs, and the legacy of entertainers like Billy Cotton. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next episode, promising more insights into wartime music. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify...
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Bless 'Em All - The Long and the Short of It
The A to Z of Wartime Song
In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on “Bless ‘Em All” and its significance during World War II. They discuss the WWI origins of the song, its evolution through various artists and the role of ENSA in providing entertainment to troops. The conversation highlights George Formby's impact on wartime music and the various versions of 'Bless Them All' that have emerged over the years, showcasing the song's enduring legacy and its connection to British culture. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their...
info_outlineIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on the song 'The Deepest Shelter in Town.' They discuss the impact of music during World War II, the life of performer Florence Desmond and the role of entertainers in boosting morale. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about their experiences on the London cabaret scene, the Blitz and it’s effect on Britain, ARP (air raid precautions) and even the sex workers of London during WW2.
To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN
REFERENCES
Nellie Wallace “Under the Bed” (1929)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtWvFJWZAug
Sally in Our Alley (1931)
https://m.ok.ru/video/2989760187060
Florence Desmond’s Hollywood Party (1933)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p32znXVIqSI&t=8s
Holborn Empire
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/westons.htm
Vivienne Hole
https://www.cwgc.org/stories/stories/civilian-vivienne-hole-ensa-entertainment-s-national-service-association-every-night-something-awful/
Dunsborough House
https://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/dunsborough-park-the-elegant-surrey-home-once-owned-by-a-daredevil-aviator-who-had-an-affair-with-shirley-bassey-153415
Anderson Shelters
https://andersonshelters.org.uk/
Morrison Shelters
https://andersonshelters.org.uk/other-shelters/morrison-shelters/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Opening Chat and Catch Up
03:30 Exploring Florence Desmond's Career
06:36 The Impact of World War I on Music Hall
07:30 The Influence of Noel Coward
08:30 Florence Desmond on Film
11:32 Impersonations and Their Popularity
12:12 The Dark Side of Fame: Lead Poisoning and Its Consequences
13:13 Café de Paris: A Legacy of Performance
14:48 The Impact of War on Theatre: The Story of Applesauce
15:52 The Tragic Fate of the Hoblorn Empire
16:43 Royal Appearances: Theatre and the Royals
17:13 The Role of Entertainment During War: ENSA and Its Performers
18:45 A Tragic Loss: The Story of Vivian Fair
19:53 Life After War: Florence's Continued Stardom
20:41 Love and Loss: Florence's Marriages
21:06 Dunsborough: A Home of Hospitality and Celebrities
22:25 The Life of Charles Hewesden: A Daring Aviator
22:40 The Song Behind the Story: Leslie Julian Jones
23:35 The Blitz: A Historical Context
26:45 Anderson Shelters: The Homefront's Response to Bombing
29:22 The British Spirit: Defiance in the Face of Adversity
29:39 The Morrison Shelter: A Grim Necessity
30:46 Public Shelters: A Social Experiment
32:10 Underground Shelters: A Unique Experience
33:28 Looking at the Song: “The Deepest Shelter in Town”
34:24 Sex Work in Wartime London
36:30 “Lost” Songs from the 1940s
38:10 Lyric Analysis
40:49 The Craft of Comedy in Wartime Songs
43:30 Other Listening Recommendations
47:52 “Mentioned in Dispatches”
49:54 Outro
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
You can follow the podcast on social media:
http://instagram.com/warsongspod
https://www.facebook.com/warsongspod
Find more information about Lili Redman here:
https://liliredman.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lili__redman/
https://www.facebook.com/ScalaLil
Or Tom Carradine here:
https://www.tomcarradine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tomcarradine
https://www.facebook.com/mrtomcarradine
CONTACT THE PODCAST
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".
LISTENING LINKS
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ktQ4nyudmPRLcCNyNxEfv?si=ac9e1babe6834f2b
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-a-to-z-of-wartime-song/id1806037318
If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode.