PodcastsHistoryThe A to Z of Wartime Song

The A to Z of Wartime Song

Tom Carradine and Lili Redman
The A to Z of Wartime Song
Latest episode

31 episodes

  • The A to Z of Wartime Song

    Could You Please Oblige Us with a Bren Gun – Coward, Comedy and the Last Line of Defence

    04/04/2026 | 38 mins.
    In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine dive into the brilliantly witty world of Noël Coward with his 1941 patter song "Could You Please Oblige Us with a Bren Gun."

    Before tackling the song itself, they take a whirlwind tour through Coward's extraordinary life - from child performer to West End sensation, wartime entertainer, filmmaker, and even (rather improbably) spy. Along the way, they explore his role in boosting British morale during the Second World War, including his work on the classic film In Which We Serve.

    Turning to the song, Lili and Tom unpack Coward's razor-sharp satire of the Home Guard, affectionately exposing the shortages, improvisation, and quiet resilience of Britain's "last line of defence." Through the long-suffering Colonel Montmorency and his increasingly desperate letters to the Minister of Supply, Coward captures a uniquely British blend of frustration, humour, and stiff upper lip.

    Packed with sparkling lyrics, theatrical flair, and plenty of laughs, this episode celebrates Coward at his most incisive - and reminds us how humour helped Britain carry on.

    SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

    You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlist here:

    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

    REFERENCES

    Noel Coward
    https://www.noelcoward.com/

    The Noel Coward Foundation
    https://www.noelcoward.com/foundation

    Could You Please Oblige Us with a Bren Gun - Dad's Army
    https://youtu.be/nWGOFy-OJyo?si=t41_UULVu-inzZan

    Could You Please Oblige Us with a Bren Gun - New London Opera Group (Tom on piano)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inIXVsSZWHc

    In Which We Serve (1942)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO7TWWmXAqk

    London Pride - Sheet Music Cover
    https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2014GX4042/full/!600,/0/default.jpg

    Don't Let's Be Beastly to the Germans - Sheet Music Cover
    https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DgkAAOSwGbxmbSUR/s-l1200.jpg

    A Room With a View - Chappel "Theatre Curtains" Cover
    https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/w0MAAOSwMXdf44LW/s-l1200.jpg

    Ace of Clubs - Sheet Music Cover
    https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Vn4AAOSww7tb6i0r/s-l400.jpg

    Arquebus
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquebus

    Dad's Army - "Don't Tell Them, Pike"
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YMVPXmaKds

    Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs Worthington - Noel Coward
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEfxLIyf_IY&list=RDHEfxLIyf_IY&start_radio=1

    There are Bad Times Around the Corner - Noel Coward
    https://youtu.be/tSA5C8mQcLQ?si=dcOlMHjb53MDlpjt

    The Stately Homes of England - Noel Coward
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PU2ZDDGzY4&list=RD8PU2ZDDGzY4&start_radio=1

    Mad Dogs and Englishman - Kenneth Williams
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIsu3NSz_pQ&list=RDvIsu3NSz_pQ&start_radio=1

    Home Guard Blues (from "Get Cracking") - George Formby
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zki_nAcHvc&list=RD6zki_nAcHvc&start_radio=1

    Guarding the Home of the Home Guard - George Formby
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHvOD041krI&list=RDbHvOD041krI&start_radio=1

    Mr Wu is Now an Airaid Warden - George Formby
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnvgpeGxzak&list=RDvnvgpeGxzak&start_radio=1

    The Home Guard - Robb Wilton
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=775DE0YkT3U

    Georgie Jones - Poet on Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/georgie_jonez/

    The Soldiers of the Old Home Guard - Bedknobs and Broomsticks
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzqFDZ6Li-8

    Dad's Army Theme
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XroU9_tNF7A&list=RDXroU9_tNF7A&start_radio=1

    Meet the Gang - It Ain't Half Hot, Mum
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAL9HG2p98g

    Tom Sharpe - Folk Musician
    https://www.instagram.com/tomshrp/

    Hartlepool Historic Quay - Tom Sharpe
    https://open.spotify.com/album/10zf9NZhkyx2iugUQQEvCL?si=nT0fVQa6Qre3JrbxjauO_A

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Intro
    00:50 Catch Up
    01:48 C = Could You Please Oblige Us with a Bren Gun
    02:40 Noel Coward
    08:05 Noel Coward's Contributions During WWII
    09:03 "In Which We Serve" Film
    10:38 Noel Coward: Theatrical Polymath
    13:09 The Home Guard
    17:03 Discussing the Sheet Music
    18:45 Discussing the Lyrics
    25:44 Discussing the Music
    28:06 Discussing the Versions: Noel Coward
    30:08 If You Liked That You'll Like This
    36:06 Mentioned in Dispatches
    37:19 Teaser for Next Week
    37:50 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.
  • The A to Z of Wartime Song

    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Singing Sisters and Swinging Soldiers

    29/03/2026 | 40 mins.
    In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine cross the Atlantic for one of the most recognisable songs of the Second World War: "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

    They explore the story behind this huge 1941 hit, written by Hughie Prince and Don Raye for the Abbott and Costello film Buck Privates, and brought to life by the unstoppable close-harmony powerhouse that was The Andrews Sisters. Along the way, Lili and Tom trace the sisters' rise from Minneapolis talent contest winners to international stars and wartime favourites, adored by troops on both sides of the Atlantic.

    The episode also dives into the roots of boogie woogie itself - from the piano styles of the American South to Carnegie Hall, big bands and beyond - and compares a range of period recordings, including versions by Woody Herman, Gene Krupa, and the rather peculiar Mitchell Ayres take.

    Packed with swing, sister harmonies, bugle calls and bluesy bass lines, it's an episode full of hot music, wartime energy, and the sounds that helped define an era.

    SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

    You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlist here:
    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

    REFERENCES

    Hughie Prince
    https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/4447/all

    The Last Time I Saw Paris - Noel Coward
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVzhPV3nYTA

    Don Raye
    https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/3975

    She Had to Go and Lose It at the Astor - Harry Roy
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skx3qNBfUm8

    This Is My Country - Don Raye
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiPu-jEfyxc&t=8s

    Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar - The Andrew Sisters
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZv6hL6aYfQ&list=RDqZv6hL6aYfQ&index=2

    Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat - The Andrews Sisters
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ85zLhQDos&list=RDEJ85zLhQDos&start_radio=1

    Bounce Me Brother With a Solid Four - The Andrews Sister
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glhRJuhqaFA&list=RDglhRJuhqaFA&start_radio=1

    Don Raye - Songwriters Hall of Fame
    https://www.songhall.org/profiles/don-raye

    Buck Privates - Film 1941
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbKPCT-iRGY&t=1s

    Apple Blossom Time (3/4)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0W2Zi9ClfU&list=RDO0W2Zi9ClfU&start_radio=1

    Apple Blossom Time (4/4) - Andrews Sisters
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrEXjd9COuY&list=RDNrEXjd9COuY&start_radio=1

    When Private Brown Becomes a Captain
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uc8PPPYdR0&t=2s

    Clarence Zylman - the original Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy?
    https://www.visitmuskegon.org/blog/post/the-story-behind-muskegons-boogie-woogie-bugle-boy-statue/

    The Andrews Sisters
    https://thesongbook.org/about/news-media/the-songbook-blog-items/the-andrews-sisters-queens-of-the-jukebox/

    The Boswell Sisters
    https://hnoc.org/virtual-exhibitions/shout-sister-shout

    Bei Bir Mis Du Schon - The Andrews Sisters
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvxkomTYkfM&list=RDqZv6hL6aYfQ&index=7

    Don't Fence Me In - The Andrews Sisters with Bing Crosby
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMnLoOnrwbg

    V Discs
    https://syncopatedtimes.com/the-story-of-v-discs/

    Sheet Music Cover
    https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp-copyright/4071/

    Reveille (US)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A5v38QH9Ig&t=19s

    Reveille (UK)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_peXjzFQ2_c&t=60s

    Selective Training and Service Act of 1940
    https://www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/research-starters/draft-and-wwii

    Boogie Woogie
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boogie-woogie

    Pinetop's Boogie Woogie - Pinetop Smith
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYrcZp7Pdh8

    From Spirituals to Swing Concert - 1938
    https://syncopatedtimes.com/john-hammonds-from-spirituals-to-swing-concert/

    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - The Andrews Sisters (from Buck Privates)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of3uhG1tCI&list=RD8of3uhG1tCI&start_radio=1

    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Mitchell Ayres and his Fashion in Music
    https://youtu.be/f0Iq5QUImTY?si=-q8zC8G2llCDHQ8F

    An Operatic "Last Christmas"!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA_nPDfb-i0&t=8s

    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Woody Herman and his Orchestra
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XnDJL3Edsk&list=RD3XnDJL3Edsk&start_radio=1

    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Gene Krupa
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npxphL8pkJ8

    Boogie Woogie Prayer - Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson and Albert Ammons
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrHrbSxUFDI

    Caledonia - Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR6pHtiNT_k

    Five Guys Names Mo - The Musical
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Guys_Named_Moe

    The Jive Aces
    https://jiveaces.org/

    Bring Me Sunshine - The Jive Aces (spot a young Lili)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvJ8UquYoo

    Pinetop's Boogie Woogie - Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt-dfPnBeLE

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Intro
    00:51 Catch Up
    01:16 B = Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
    02:33 Hughie Prince
    04:14 Don Raye
    07:27 The Story of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
    11:03 The Andrews Sisters
    14:36 Discussing the Sheet Music
    15:48 Discussing the Lyrics
    21:16 Discussing the Music: Boogie Woogie
    29:32 Discussing Versions: The Andrews Sisters
    30:10 Mitchell Ayers and his Fashion in Music
    32:42 Woody Herman
    33:07 Gene Krupa
    34:30 Which Is Our Favourite?
    35:06 If You Liked That You'll Like This
    38:42 Mentioned in Dispatches
    39:37 Teaser for Next Week
    39:52 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.
  • The A to Z of Wartime Song

    All Over the Place - Tommy Trinder, Music Hall Mischief and Naval Nonsense

    22/03/2026 | 45 mins.
    In the opening episode of Series 2 of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine return to the beginning of the alphabet with a cheeky naval number - Tommy Trinder's "All Over the Place."

    They explore the life and career of Trinder, from his early days on the Music Hall stage at Collins's in Islington to becoming one of Britain's most recognisable wartime entertainers. Along the way, they uncover the vibrant world of variety theatre, the rise of ENSA, and Trinder's fast-talking, fourth-wall-breaking comedy style that made him a firm favourite with audiences during WWII.

    The episode also dives into the song's origins in the 1940 film Sailors Three, a classic wartime comedy, and the work of songwriter Noel Gay, whose catalogue helped define the sound of the era. Lili and Tom compare a range of contemporary recordings - from Trinder's original film version to dance band takes by Geraldo, Wally Bishop and Billy Thorburn, plus a beautifully intimate rendition by Hutch.

    Packed with musical analysis, Music Hall history, and a few delightful side quests (including pocket battleships and posh pronunciations), this episode sets sail on a brand new series full of song, story and laughter.

    SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

    You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlist here:

    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

    REFERENCES

    Tommy Trinder - Blue Plaque
    https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/tommy-trinder

    Collins' Music Hall
    http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Collins.htm

    The "New" Collins' Music Hall
    https://www.toto-locations.co.uk/locations/T24001

    Wilton's Music Hall - History
    https://wiltons.org.uk/heritage/history/

    Opera House, Tunbridge Wells
    http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/TunbridgeWellsTheatres.htm

    Casey's Court Juvenile Comedy Show
    https://www.peterboroughimages.co.uk/will-murrays-caseys-court-1906/

    Tommy Trinder - Old Boys Network (1979)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD7Fxl4yZ7U

    FEATHERSTONEHAUGH

    WRIOTHESLEY

    ENSA
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainments_National_Service_Association

    Tommy Trinder in ENSA
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S542rqxut6U

    Eating Out with Tommy Trinder - Public Information Film
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHBfVqaS6EI

    Pocketbattleships
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutschland-class_cruiser

    Tommy Trinder - All Over the Place (from Sailors Three)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rljsN_68vxw&t=10s
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIEkYEpOWrA&t=6s  

    Sailors Three
    http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/811645/index.html

    Champagne Charlie - Tommy Trinder
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROsI7cOZvJU&t=13s

    Albert and the Lion - Stanley Holloway
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaw-savyK0s&list=RDoaw-savyK0s&start_radio=1

    All Over the Place - Sheet Music Cover
    https://www.dustymusic.com/sheet-music/9054/all-over-the-place

    Over There - Sheet Music Cover
    https://musicpolitics.barefield.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/over-there.jpg

    We Saw the Sea! - Fred Astaire in "Follow the Fleet"
    https://youtu.be/gVYxekAaFRU?si=4CPaFqC-leyUEZKj

    All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH_EUYDklMI&list=RDOH_EUYDklMI&start_radio=1

    He Played His Ukulele As the Ship Went Down (Leslie Sarony)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esy_rTMYGEA&list=RDEsy_rTMYGEA&start_radio=1

    The Three Ginx
    https://peel.fandom.com/wiki/Three_Ginx

    The New Mayfair Dance Orchestra
    https://www.discogs.com/artist/1363213-The-New-Mayfair-Dance-Orchestra?srsltid=AfmBOopPZvM8_DW4a-fGQymiqFERZIK91_gjolksnWDs3jPy6M7zz1oy

    All Over the Place - Wally Bishop
    https://youtu.be/eW_loob9WdM?si=wTlNriDiikAaNMzT

    All Over the Place - Billy Thornburn Band
    https://youtu.be/WR1p1hlBTIs?si=u-4W1BPMtGfKNr7j

    All Over the Place - Jimmy Leach "Organola"
    https://youtu.be/EdUumFgr9ZM?si=Op63pCmdYXQm7Nq5

    Harry Farmer - Organist / Hammond Organ
    http://theatreorgans.com/hammond/keng/kenhtml/Harry%20Farmer%20Page.htm

    All Over the Place - Leslie Hutchinson aka The Hutch
    https://youtu.be/yYPITRd6qcI?si=6AEaNuB7Sxa5mFbE

    All Over the Place - Geraldo and the Savoy Hotel Orchestra
    https://youtu.be/TYjlqo_u7TM?si=me0gzvUofYQj30N3

    Bell Bottom Trousers - Kay Kyser and His Orchesta
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO17I5fb8hc

    The Navy, the Army and the P'lice - Ronald Frankau
    https://open.spotify.com/track/2WmsDkqFuY5QBJKNyDaFbs?si=7231b647e7144309

    The Army, the Navy and the Air Force - Sheet Music Cover
    https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1277624/the-army-the-navy-and-sheet-music-darewski-herman/

    The Army, the Navy and the Air Force - Recording
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMdNrWnoSQA

    The Fleet's in Port Again - Billy Cotton and His Band (Noel Gay)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQpqpy1FPuY&list=RDXQpqpy1FPuY&start_radio=1

    Anchors Aweigh
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j0dqw1muX0&list=RD1j0dqw1muX0&start_radio=1

    We're Riding Along on the Crest of the Wave - Ralph Reader
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYZe6GVa_JI&list=RDMYZe6GVa_JI&start_radio=1

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Intro
    00:50 Catch Up
    01:31 A = All Over the Place
    02:12 Tommy Trinder's Early Years
    03:10 Collin's Music Hall
    08:41 Trinder's Stage Debut and Early Career
    15:16 Trinder's War Years and Film Career
    18:18 Pocket Battleships
    20:17 Sailors Three: A Comedy Classic
    23:52 Discussing the Sheet Music
    25:05 Discussing the Lyrics
    27:51 Discussing the Music
    30:18 Discussing Versions: Tommy Trinder
    32:39 Wally Bishop's and His Band
    33:44 Billy Thornburn's Band
    35:05 Jimmy Leach and "Organola"
    36:46 Leslie Hutchinson aka The Hutch
    37:32 Geraldo and the Savoy Hotel Orchestra
    38:06 Which Is Our Favourite?
    38:47 If You Liked That You'll Like This
    43:25 Mentioned in Dispatches
    44:19 Teaser for Next Week
    45:03 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.
  • The A to Z of Wartime Song

    Christmas Special 2025 - White Christmas - A Song of Home, Hope and Hidden Heartache

    24/12/2025 | 51 mins.
    In this Christmas special episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine unwrap one of the most iconic songs of the wartime era - Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."

    They trace the remarkable life of Berlin, from his childhood as a Jewish immigrant fleeing persecution, through the bustle of Tin Pan Alley, to becoming one of America's most prolific and patriotic songwriters. Along the way, they explore his astonishing output, his service during both world wars, and the deeply personal losses that shaped his music - including the hidden grief many believe lies at the heart of White Christmas.

    The episode delves into the song's origins in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, its record-breaking success through Bing Crosby's legendary recording, and the wave of wartime versions that followed on both sides of the Atlantic — from Carroll Gibbons and Joe Loss to Harry Roy's surprisingly swing-infused take.

    With discussion of the evocative lyrics, Berlin's deceptively simple but masterful melody, rarely sung verse and the song's enduring emotional power for families separated by war, this festive episode reflects on why White Christmas continues to resonate - not just as a seasonal favourite, but as a song born of longing, memory and hope.

    SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

    You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

    REFERENCES

    Irving Berlin
    https://www.irvingberlin.com/

    Newsies (Disney Movie Musical)
    https://www.newsiesthemusical.com/

    Song Plugger
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_plugger

    Tin Pan Alley
    https://www.tinpanalley.nyc/

    The Bowery
    https://ny.curbed.com/2017/10/4/16413696/bowery-nyc-history-lower-east-side

    Lower East Side Tenement Musuem
    https://www.tenement.org/

    Vaudeville
    https://www.vaudeville.org/

    Tony Pastor's Music Hall, Union Square
    http://www.performingartsarchive.com/Theatres/Theatres-P/Pastors-14th-Street_NY/Pastors-14th-Street_NY.htm

    Pelham Cafe, Chinatown NYC
    https://infamousnewyork.com/2013/08/12/mike-salters-pelham-cafe-birthplace-of-irving-berlin/

    Irving Berlin's Transposing Piano
    https://thesongbook.org/about/news-media/news-release-items/songbook-foundation-to-unveil-irving-berlin-piano/

    Alexander's Ragtime Band
    https://www.irvingberlin.com/alexanders-ragtime-band

    Vernon and Irene Castle
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernon_and_Irene_Castle

    Won't You Play a Simple Melody (Bing Crosby / Dick Powell)
    https://youtu.be/uIZvVj3rxho

    Simultaneous Quodlbet
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quodlibet

    When I Lost You (Irving Berlin)
    https://youtu.be/sB5n6wnT61w
    https://youtu.be/wi-zs6FggAY

    Irving Berlin WW1 Service
    https://parlorsongs.com/storefront/berlinwar-companion.php

    How I Hate To Get Up in the Morning (Irving Berlin)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70FVFxXpY_8&list=RD70FVFxXpY_8&start_radio=1

    Putting on the Ritz - Fred Astaire
    https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfphyb

    I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
    https://youtu.be/LRmGYCwsPpM

    This Is The Army (1943 Film)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmUfIfqW4zs

    La Quinta Hotel, California
    https://www.laquintaresort.com/  

    Arizona Biltmore Hotel
    https://www.arizonabiltmore.com/about-us/resort-history/

    Sheet Music (Grey)
    https://www.rubylane.com/item/2403998-2517-H-35/1942-Sheet-Music-%22White-Christmas%22

    Sheet Music (Green)
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295132116554

    Sheet Music (Movie Song Cover - with War Bonds Advert)
    https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32283821141&dest=gbr&ref_=ps_ggl_2038407968_77546262132&cm_mmc=ggl-_-UK_Shopp_RareStandard-_-product_id=bi%3A%2032283821141-_-keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=2038407968&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Y6gvtpaPdSSRKHCwkpu5dJ3CuI&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9rJBhCYARIsALyPDttAFWGd3nniAERuxb4ptoFqmmlcKTHzpJcjqdLRfKL2fht4vA2MnYwaAh3ZEALw_wcB#&gid=1&pid=1

    Sheet Music (1950s)
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/157388257327?chn=ps&_ul=GB&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=157388257327&targetid=2446966182456&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9215318&poi=&campaignid=21697381820&mkgroupid=188145534956&rlsatarget=pla-2446966182456&abcId=10027101&merchantid=562961780&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21697381820&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Lr1eIBEEA2sgHw9G4sJTtgCMVk&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9rJBhCYARIsALyPDtuplVqdTKX1FbhPM3I9oCj475RCHouu5Z8X33k44Ki3uFeddGiG_4EaAiScEALw_wcB

    White Christmas - Original Version
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQyy8SpDpTY&list=RDQQyy8SpDpTY&start_radio=1

    White Christmas - Carroll Gibbons and His Savoy Orpheans (Vocals by Edna Kaye)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW66dHCSmec

    White Christmas - Frank Sinatra
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IFxGllw2Vs&list=RD-IFxGllw2Vs&start_radio=1

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Intro
    00:52 Catch Up
    03:22 Christmas Special = White Christmas
    04:42 Irving Berlin
    20:37 The Origins of White Christmas
    23:08 Discussing the Sheet Music Cover
    24:59 Discussing the Lyrics
    29:13 Discussing the Music
    32:33 Discussing Versions: Bing Crosby
    34:24 Charlie Spivak
    35:48 Freddie Martin and His Orchestra
    36:27 Carroll Gibbons and His Savoy Hotel Orpheans
    39:21 Joe Loss and His Orchestra
    40:34 Frank Sinatra
    41:46 Harry Roy and His Mayfair Hotel Orchestra
    42:45 What's Our Favourite?
    43:57 If You Liked That You'll Like This
    44:19 Christmas Bells at Eventide - Gracie Fields
    44:59 Santa Clause Came in the Springtime - Benny Goodman
    45:13 I'll Be Home For Christmas - Bing Crosby
    46:17 I'm Sending a Letter to Santa Claus - Arthur Askey
    47:07 The Fairy on the Christmas Tree - Gracie Fields
    47:28 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
    49:17 Teaser for Next Season
    50:40 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.
  • The A to Z of Wartime Song

    (I've Got a Gal in) KalamaZOO - Glenn Miller, the Big Bands and our Big Series Finale

    11/10/2025 | 37 mins.
    In the final episode of Series 1 of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine end their alphabetical adventure with a swing - quite literally - as they explore Glenn Miller's 1942 smash hit (I've Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo.

    Written by Harry Warren and Mac Gordon, the song became a wartime favourite thanks to Miller's irresistible big band sound, Tex Beneke's smooth vocals and an unforgettable film appearance in Orchestra Wives featuring the dazzling Nicholas Brothers.

    Lili and Tom unpack the song's irresistible energy, the history of its writers, and why Kalamazoo really is more than just a funny name (though it's also the "Celery City"). Along the way, they revisit highlights from across the series - from George Formby's auction and Florence Desmond's lipstick, to Cole Porter's Parisian parties and the mystery of "special ginger beer."

    As the pair look back on the laughter, lyricism and legacy of the songs that kept spirits high through two world wars, they also look ahead - to a festive Christmas special and a live A to Z tour in 2026.

    It's a joyful finale full of swing, nostalgia and gratitude for the music (and listeners!) who've joined them along the way.

    SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

    You can listen to ALL of the songs that Tom and Lili talk about in the episode on their Spotify playlist here:
    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN?si=b777dc33a703408a

    REFERENCES

    Kitchen Cabaret - Wednesday 26th November - Doors 7.30pm / Show 8pm
    West View, Pink Barn, Lenton Road, Folkingham, NG34 0FE
    Tickets £15 - Email [email protected]
    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1366518505000296&set=a.312306463754844

    (I've Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo - Orchestra Wives (1942)
    https://youtu.be/fFv_PoZ2iP0?si=yhBbFBrq3NW5zO9n

    Orchestra Wives (1942) - Full Film (Colourised)
    https://youtu.be/1Mpktlw3hu8?si=AZB35xncCbZMrHH5

    Glenn Miller - At Last (B Side to Kalamazoo)
    https://youtu.be/ajsptiTBPq4?si=pJcYx4y5Vv7DUwCr

    Sheet Music Cover
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303257221212

    Sheet Music Cover (Chappel's version)
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314729356350

    We found the answer to our own question - Arabian Riff
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_riff

    Four King Sisters with the Rhythm Reys
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs438XOeYXo&list=RDXs438XOeYXo&start_radio=1

    Alice Babs
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pwu-ZWvxG8&list=RD5pwu-ZWvxG8&start_radio=1

    Ciro's Club Picture
    https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw220678/Ciros-Nightclub-group-of-jazz-musicians-possibly-including-Jack-Newman-Syd-Lawrence-and-Ray-Noble

    Lurland Dance Hall in Peacehaven (now a Mosque)
    https://www.peacehavenmosque.co.uk/

    Beryldene Auction
    https://www.georgeformby.co.uk/auction.htm

    Melody Maker Archives
    https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Melody_Maker.htm

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Intro
    00:51 Catch Up
    01:49 K = (I've Got a Gal in) KalamaZOO!
    04:33 Harry Warren
    06:32 Mac Gordon
    08:00 Glenn Miller's Band
    09:49 Discussing the Sheet Music Cover
    11:24 Discussing the Lyrics
    13:05 Discussing the Music
    16:37 Discussing Versions : Glenn Miller
    16:50 Jimmy Dorsey
    17:14 Paul Whiteman
    17:27 Andrews Sisters
    19:52 Four King Sisters and the Rhythm Reys
    20:16 Alice Babs
    21:08 What's Our Favourite?
    22:21 Discussing Series 1
    26:10 Recapping Series 1
    30:48 Discussing Themes and Common Threads
    35:20 Mentioned in Dispatches
    36:22 Teaser for Next Episode
    37:19 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.

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About The A to Z of Wartime Song

🎵 Hosted by @tomcarradine & @lili_redman ✨ Exploring iconic songs from the frontlines to the home front 📜 History, harmony & heart from WWI to WWII
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