The A to Z of Wartime Song

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.

In this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine turn their attention to Cole Porter's romantic 1943 classic "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To".

Written for the film "Something to Shout About", the song quickly became a wartime favourite, speaking to the longing of couples separated by service and distance. Lili and Tom trace Porter's glittering - and often scandalous - life, from Yale fight songs and Parisian parties to Broadway triumphs like Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate.

They also explore the many unforgettable recordings of this tune, including Dinah Shore's lush orchestral version, the cabaret intimacy of Hutch, Noël Coward's unmistakable style and swing-era takes by Six Hits and a Miss, Dick Jurgens and more.

It's a story of longing, luxury, and one of the Great American Songbook's most enduring romantic ballads.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

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

REFERENCES

The Bobolink Waltz
https://www.sondheimguide.com/porter/miscsongs.html

The Whiffenpoofs
https://www.whiffenpoofs.com/

Bingo - Cole Porter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W74zCjVd9EQ

Bull Dog - Cole Porter
https://youtu.be/Bj8HJmhRw9w?si=n3k0Kr08PtqwhPxT

Cole Porter in the French Foreign Legion
https://www.legionofthelost.com/porter

Old Fashioned Garden - Cole Porter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cYtuj0Tz7Q&list=PLTfDZkT4YVdT0RVEZr91EGXov2vMcVX7Z&index=12

Cole Porter's Paris House
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/greathomesanddestinations/a-house-in-the-country-without-ever-leaving-central-paris.html

Ca 'Rezzonico
https://carezzonico.visitmuve.it/en/home/

Hollywood Canteen 1944 (Highlights)
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnurtxqhggI8yn0tAzDup9GmvPGK-iBCC&si=sJN7qQl3eqHMnZ7f

Cole Porter at Waldorf Towers
https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/cole-porter-residence-at-the-waldorf-towers/

Cole Porter Festival, Peru, Indiana
https://www.coleporterfestival.org/

Cole Porter's Grave
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/827/cole-porter

Cole Porter's Piano
https://www.untappedcities.com/cole-porter-piano-waldorf-astoria/
https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/cole-porter-residence-at-the-waldorf-towers/

Something to Shout About (Full Movie)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnPeo81-Ylo

Sheet Music Cover
https://www.ebay.com/itm/306175580246

Dick Jurgens
https://youtu.be/eEK0gekO1ds

Dinah Shore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w5KNm1LQ78&t=1s

Emil Davis and his Society Orchestra
https://youtu.be/tJ2-Qaih3N8?si=ZlAoQm9POCLmz4L4

Six Hits and a Miss
https://youtu.be/W9s6nv0kAH8?si=CR1yf1izimIz81V0

Don Ameche
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uy13c-TLyY

Leslie "Hutch" Hutchinson
https://youtu.be/saHxtoNkPK0?si=9248FnfWGrfXsXtd

Dick Bryer and the Song Spinners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX00iq6S_-w

Noel Coward
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKArygvN7vg

Noel and Cole - similarities and differences
https://politicalscience.osu.edu/faculty/jmueller/NYTnoelcoleREV.pdf

How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning - Irving Berlin
https://youtu.be/71smG5d29to?si=K-0MjQxjboExSvL-

You'll Never Walk Alone - Christine Johnson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlsUfOjVhrM

Noel Coward - I'm Old Fashioned (by Jerome Kern)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3Ia2hhbFTg

The Real American Folk Song is a Rag - George Gerswhin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seADKw7s2fI

London Pride - Noel Coward
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnB2lewGcYc

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro
00:50 Catch Up
02:20 Y = You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
03:25 Cole Porter - His Early Years
05:59 Cole Porter - The Yale Years
09:02 Cole Porter - A Move to Paris
15:05 Cole Porter - Conquering Broadway
23:12 Cole Porter - Tragedy Strikes
28:00 Discussing the Sheet Music
31:41 Discussing the Lyrics
35:23 Discussing the Music
37:16 Discussing Versions: Dick Jurgen
38:53 Emil Davis and his Society Orchestra
39:27 Six Hits and a Miss
40:11 Don Ameche
40:50 Leslie "Hutch" Hutchinson
41:45 Dick Bryar and the Song Spinners
42:19 Noel Coward
43:57 Which Is Our Favourite?
44:23 If You Liked That You'll Like This
46:45 Mentioned in Dispatches
47:16 Teaser for Next Week
48:03 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.

Finding a wartime song beginning with "X" was always going to be a challenge … so in true cheeky music-hall style, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine have bent the rules and chosen the comic classic Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major.

First recorded in 1939 by Ambrose and his Orchestra, this lighthearted tune quickly became a wartime favourite, poking fun at army life while giving troops and civilians alike something to laugh (and sing) about.

In this episode, Lili and Tom explore the careers of bandleader Ambrose, vocalist and trombonist Les Carew, and the pseudonymous songwriters behind the number. They dig into different recordings - from Ambrose to Arthur Askey to Billy Cotton - and uncover the wider world of British dance bands, Tin Pan Alley pseudonyms, and even novelty piano pieces.

Expect drunken choruses, music hall gossip, and plenty of wartime humour in this fun-packed episode.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

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

REFERENCES

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa (Cough Syrup)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Herbal-Formula-Cough-Syrup-300ml/dp/B001FAQXD2

Blakely Street, Stepney (where Ambrose lived)
https://www.londonpicturearchive.org.uk/view-item?i=120008&WINID=1758879380875

George Tavern, Stepney
https://thegeorgetavern.london/

Ciro's Club, Orange Street, London
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciro%27s_(London)
https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/64656/
https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw220678/Ciros-Nightclub-group-of-jazz-musicians-possibly-including-Jack-Newman-Syd-Lawrence-and-Ray-Noble https://www.jazzageclub.com/the-classy-ciros-restaurant-chain/370/

When Day Is Done - Ambrose's Signature Tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa5TBTKFfdg

When Her Mother Come Two - Ivor Novello (sung by Fenton Grey)
https://youtu.be/VWhm4nS0eDA

Dance Band Encyclopedia - Michael Thomas
http://www.mgthomas.co.uk/dancebands/musicians/musicianpages/ambrose.htm

Little Tich's Big Boots Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFB4oHajwGw

Titch's Big Boots - Water Rats Museum
https://www.gowr.co.uk/museum/

Tichbourne Complainant
https://bigginhill.co.uk/littletich.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tichborne_case

Les Carew - trombonist and singer
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-les-carew-1367973.html

Jack Hylton and Igor Stravinsky
https://www.jackhylton.com/hylton-stravinsky

Patricia Hammond
https://patriciahammond.com/

I'm Gonna Get Lit Up - Richard Suart
https://youtu.be/HyMwe0YHSfQ?si=VZZWxVdXerwrDLO0

Show Me The Way to Go Home - as it appears in Jaws
https://youtu.be/6XK3fLCSUAM?si=7ybSOf1RwW7R7eIU

Goodnight Sweetheart - Sitcom (1992-2016)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106014/

Steve Boyce - Costumier / Panto Dame
https://www.instagram.com/stevesteveboyce/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro
00:48 Catch Up
02:20 X = Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major
03:39 Bert Ambrose
05:33 Differences Between the American and British Sound
10:15 Bert Ambrose's Success
14:19 Les Carew: The Voice Behind the Song
20:32 How Did We First Discover the Song?
21:00 Discussing the Sheet Music
24:16 Discussing the Lyrics
25:51 Discussing the Music
27:11 Discussing Versions: Ambrose
28:44 Arthur Askey
31:58 Billy Cotton
32:57 Which Version Is Our Favourite?
33:27 If You Liked That You'll Like This
38:44 Mentioned in Dispatches
39:42 Teaser for Next Week
40:30 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 take a special detour into the many songs of the 1930s and '40s that begin with the word "When".

From the poignant hope of When They Sound the Last All Clear and When the Lights Go On Again (All Over the World), to the transatlantic charm of When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano and the early nostalgia of When the Poppies Bloom Again, these songs capture the wartime longing for peace, reunion, and better days ahead.

Along the way, Lili and Tom explore the songwriters behind these tunes - from Denmark Street hitmakers Box & Cox, to Hughie Charles and Leon René - as well as the unforgettable voices of Vera Lynn, the Ink Spots, Glenn Miller, Joe Loss and many more.

It's an episode rich in music, memory and the melodies that carried people through the darkest of times.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

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


REFERENCES

Tebay Services
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/jul/24/tebay-m6-motorway-service-station-from-heaven

We've All Life Before Us - Caroline Cecil Bose
https://www.carolinececilbose.co.uk/

Denmark Street - London's Tin Pan Alley
https://www.layersoflondon.org/map/records/denmark-street-tin-pan-alley 
https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/jan/20/london-music-scene-denmark-street-tin-pan-alley
https://apollo-magazine.com/denmark-street-london-music-tin-pan-alley/

Archer Street London - The Musician's Hang Out
https://www.muhistory.com/from-the-archive-4-archer-street-london/

Paddy Roberts - Tattooed Lady
https://youtu.be/aMCqgUANkmM

Woburn Abbey Sculpture Gallery
https://www.woburn.co.uk/the-estate/woburn-abbey-and-gardens/

The Ink Spots - In Old Shantytown (including "Talking Bass")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuZuBGM_Hcw

The Ink Spots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQVe-hmaBHg

The Return on the Swallows Capistrano
https://www.missionsjc.com/st-josephs-day-and-return-of-the-swallows-celebration/

I'm Sending You The Seigfried Line to Hang Your Washing On
https://www.sheetmusicwarehouse.co.uk/20th-century-songs-i/im-sending-you-the-siegfried-line-to-hang-your-washing-on-featuring/

Air Raid Siren - Alert
https://youtu.be/p3rP3htV0zc?si=ivzPWLJn2O-C2_B-

Air Raid Siren - All Clear
https://youtu.be/Ztu0M6PXp1g?si=Ilb3bP1_BNsA5aRC

Black Cat Cabaret at Cafe de Paris
https://youtu.be/3ePTXDG4UV8?si=-nDfqX1dVCPWHJ-q

The Cotton Club
https://www.nyhistory.org/blogs/the-aristocrat-of-harlem-the-cotton-club

English Version vs American Version of "When the Lights Go On Again"
English: https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-ww2-music-sheet-when-the-lights-go-on-again-all-over-the-world-1942-165355652.html

American: https://poshmark.com/listing/When-The-Lights-Go-On-Again-1942-Vintage-Sheet-Music-Piano-Seiler-Marcus-63d52769ddab407f287909bf

There's a Kind of Hush - The Carpenters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CX83EQA8dc

When Can I Have a Banana Again - Dad's Army
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86-6ndAQaxg

Andy Eastwood
http://www.andyeastwood.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro
00:50 Catch Up
02:24 W = "When …" Songs
05:11 When the Poppies Bloom Again
14:42 When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano
24:17 When They Sound the Last All Clear
30:59 When the Lights Go On Again (All Over the World)
38:12 If You Liked That You'll Like This
42:44 Mentioned in Dispatches
43:47 Teaser for Next Week
44:24 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

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