Music Impact During WWII
Taylor Smith
How did music impact the American community and troops overseas?
- United the community behind the war effort and described how they felt
- Encouraged enlistment
- Described what the war was like for the soldiers and what they went through
What Do You Do In The Infantry - Glenn Miller
- Enlisted into the army as a musician in 1942
- Toured the war zones and played for the troops, American and foreign
- THis song was written to describe what infantrymen do when they get drafted or enlisted
Glenn Miller - What Do You Do In The Infantry
Andrews Sisters
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
- This song talks about a trumpet guy who got drafted into the war, and eventually made a band with other musical servicemen.
- the bands mainly played jazz.
The Andrews Sisters - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (1941)
Straighten Up and Fly Right
- In this song the SIsters make the comparison between a buzzard and a monkey
- THe monkey is a common symbol of courage, intelligence, and protection from 'evil spirits' (The Americans and allies)
- The Buzzard is symbol for death and violence (The Soviets)
The Andrews Sisters "Straighten Up and fly Right"
Blood on the Risers
- Written by and for the 82nd AirBorne Division
- Written with the purpose of describing to new paratroopers the dangers that will occur if they don't check their gear properly
Blood On the Risers(Gory Gory What a Helluva Way to Die)
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition
- Started as a chant during the bombing at Pearl Harbor.
- The sailors chanted "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammuntion" when the electronic weapon transporter was down, and they carried the gun shells one by one to the ship
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition | Kay Kyser (Lyrics)
There'll Be a Hot Time in the Town of Berlin - Frank Sinatra
- Became a popular propaganda piece and played constantly on Frank Sinatra's CBS radio show
(There'll Be A) Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin (1944) - Frank Sinatra