The Music of World War II: War Songs and Their Stories

Book excerpt: Merriam Press World War 2 History. Some of the most memorable and enduring popular music of the Twentieth Century was written during the Second World War. With patriotism at an all-time high, the war effort became an integral part of the entertainment industry, creating an emotional wartime dream world of heroes, love, remembrance, reflection, and introspection. The Music of World War II tells the stories behind the origins of many of these musical compositions, some of which have survived to become standards still popular today. Contents: Preface; Introduction: The Music of the Second World War; My Sister and I: The True Story; Love, Separation, and Homecoming; Patriotism; Tribute; Military Service; Faith, Hope, and Devotion; Novelty; Epilogue; Acknowledgments; Bibliography. 54 photos and illustrations, bibliography.