Do you like to groove and hum to the tune of swing songs? Do you know swing music offered solace to people who had to witness the brutality of the world wars? The genre of swing, however, reached its pinnacle of popularity during the second world war. Moreover, the advent of radio acted as a catalyst that spurred the reach and appeal of the jazz and swing music in the USA. Swing artists that became household names also played an important role in boosting public morale during the time of deep crisis. Although recording companies suffered a set back during the Great Depression and its subsequent period, celebrated singers and musicians were undeterred in touching a chord with people on the war front and also energizing the domestic population.
What were the contributions of jazz and swing stars during the wartime?
It would not be wrong to say that the genre of jazz was utilized as a cultural tool for fighting enemies of America. Renowned musicians performed extensively on military bases to entertain the soldiers thereby distracting them from the worries of the war, even it was for some hours. Held as a democratic art form, jazz and swing gave voice to unheard words of many Americans. Back then, lyrics were subtly used to denote the fighting spirit of the war, sorrowful separation from the dear ones, and undying wish to see the ray of freedom.
Here are some artists that dedicated themselves to the war effort
1. Glenn Miller – Known for his exceptional musical capabilities, the bandleader went missing mysteriously while flying to France for his band’s performance. Apart from performing on radio shows, Miller became involved in the war effort and formed 50-piece Air Force Band. The king of swing traveled to England and performed for American soldiers who were fighting on a distant land to win freedom, and restore humanity and peace.
2. Artie Shaw – You cannot call yourself a true swing fan if you have not listened to the songs by Artie Shaw. Another essential music personality joined the US Navy and formed a band to drive the gusto of the American soldiers fighting in the Pacific Area. Have you heard the song named “Begin the Beguin”? Still played on swing music radio, the score is now remembered as a wartime classic, all thanks to the improvisations made by the Artie Shaw Band.
3. The Andrews Sisters – The trio is known to be the most successful girl band in the history of jazz and swing. Interestingly, they also participated extensively in the war effort and performed in concerts across America, Italy, and Africa to help gather funds for supporting on-going war. They even performed in hospitals to lift the spirit of injured soldiers thereby helping them recover to get back on their feet.
4. Bing Crosby – The number one recording artist and the undisputed king of the box office, Bing Crosby became an essential part of the American war program. From filming inspirational videos to participating in radio shows, Crosby put across patriotic messages through the medium of entertainment.
Conclusion – Amid the topsy turvy condition of the war, noted music artists refused to give up to belligerence and resolved to fight the back negative forces with their creativity. Such artists should always be remembered for their courage, patriotism, and of course talent. You can tune into Swing Street Radio, the leading big band music station in the USA to enjoy classics by the celebrated music personalities.
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