Lena Horne achieved fame in the 1940s and became a jazz recording star in the 1950s. After appearing in the Broadway musical “Blackbirds” (1939) she joined the Charlie Barnet Orchestra as lead singer until 1942. Then a long run at
Benny Goodman and His Sextet – I Got Rhythm (1945-1946)
When jazz blended with dance forms becoming swing-jazz, in terms of commercial success it was virtually synonymous with Pop music. Benny Goodman was a major band leader of his era. Swing-jazz in the 1940s was dominating the jukeboxes and their
Ted Heath Big Band – A Blitz of Hits
Ted Heath was a legendary figure in Great Britain as a band leader, orchestrator and inspiring figure with a certain style floating in between jazz-swing and big-band entertainment. He was probably inspired by Glenn Miller when the two met in
Various Artists – Jazz at War – Sound of the Big Bands in WWII
Like many music lovers of this generation, we all are aware that the music of the 1940s had a tremendous passion for both the emotional songwriting and atmosphere. In these times the word jazz was an umbrella term that would
Various Artists – The Great History of British Ballroom Orchestras – Music of World War Two
British dance bands and Ballroom Orchestras typically played melodic, good-time music that had jazz and a strong sense of rhythm and style from the tradition of British theatrical entertainment popular between 1850 and 1920 involving a mixture of popular songs
Django & Grappelli – The Stomping 1940s
Two men that need no introduction, Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli are legends in the field of Swing and Jazz. This collection spotlights the pair at the peak of their powers in the 1940s forming the definitive character of the
Various Artists – Melodies and Memories from the 1940s
Melodies and Memories from the 1940s is a compilation of some of the best loved music of the era. Featuring all the big stars from both sides of the Atlantic including Glenn Miller, Vera Lynn, Bing Crosby, The Andrew Sisters
Gracie Fields – Story of a 40s Star
Gracie Fields career is unique: during the Second World War she travelled to France to entertain the troops in the middle of air-raids performing on the backs of open lorries and in war-torn areas. She was also the first artist
Various Artists – War Years Collection, Mega Hits of the 40s
This album is a collection arranged not particularly on individual artists who have released some unforgettable songs in that time, but rather to the Big Bands and Orchestras that we felt could better portray a truer feeling of the war
Various Artists – Keep Calm and Sing Along – Memories of the War Years 1940’s
Although World War Two was a dark period in human history, many memorable songs were written during this difficult time. These songs played an important role in keeping up the morale of troops and civilians alike. This compilation has an