Goodnight Children, Everywhere - Evacuation's Emotional Toll
Release Date: 05/03/2025
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 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 episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN
REFERENCES
London Easter Parade 2025 Pics
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10160599002620855&type=3
London Easter Parade 2026 Facebook Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/996153819354742/
Sousaphone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sousaphone
Howard Baker - “the gig king”
http://www.mgthomas.co.uk/dancebands/Musicians/MusicianPages/Howard%20Baker.htm
Lady Sarah Spencer Churchill’s Coming Out Party
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/145374512
New Hippodrome Coventry
https://www.chestercinemas.co.uk/hippodrome-theatre-coventry/
Hammond Novachord
http://www.novachord.co.uk/
“We’ll Meet Again” played on a Novachord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMEuibX4c04&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD
Brick Lane Music Hall
https://www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk/
Princess Elizabeth Recording
https://youtu.be/VJI9LPFQth4
Chick Henderson's Grave
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56531651/henderson-rowntree
Gracie Field’s “Goonight Children, Everywhere”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnGkZJKpzk4
Gert and Daisy (Elsie and Doris Walters)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izt-8xg-f08
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Wartime Songs
01:11 Intro
02:07 Catch Up
03:52 G = Goodnight Children, Everywhere
06:13 The Life and Career of Vera Lynn
08:01 Howard Baker: The Gig King
13:44 Vera Lynn's Rise to Fame
14:05 Bert Ambrose and his Orchestra
18:17 The RAF Squadronaires
20:20 Vera Lynn's Contributions During WW2
22:06 Vera's Recording Career
23:01 The Hammond Novachord
24:26 The Legacy of "We'll Meet Again" and "White Cliffs of Dover"
27:02 Vera on the Wireless
29:07 Evacuation of Children During WWII
32:29 The Reality of Cleanliness During War
34:42 Mixed Experiences of Evacuation
36:35 Discussing the Sheet Music
39:21 Musical and Lyric Analysis
42:52 Discussing Recordings - Joe Loss
44:08 Chick Henderson
47:15 Gracie Fields
47:41 Elsie and Doris Waters
49:36 Ambrose
49:58 Vera Lynn
52:01 Which Is Our Favourite Version?
53:02 Other Listening Recommendations
56:35 Mentioned in Dispatches
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.