The A to Z of Wartime Song

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.