Collection: Forces Sweethearts - 23 Songs from the Heart-Throbs
of World War II
Vocalists: Judy Garland Vera Lynn Martha
Raye Connee Boswell Peggy Lee - The Andrews
Sisters Ella Fitzgerald Elsie Carlisle
Helen Forrest Lena Horne - Maxine Sullivan Dinah
Shore Frances Langford Deanna Durbin
Anne Shelton - Jo Stafford Doris Day Mary
Martin
These singers comforted and reminded the men who fought bravely in the far-flung
theatres of war of their wives, sweethearts and families back home by the
popular female vocalists of the day. For the British it was undoubtedly Vera
Lynn who dominated. She is represented in this collection by two unforgettable
songs: The White Cliffs of Dover and Well Meet
Again The American troops were entertained by such great stars as The
Andrews Sisters who brought a very upbeat and often witty style to their
singing of such favourites as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and
Ill be with you in Apple-Blossom time; plus Frances Langford
who sings Serenade in Blue here and Dinah Shore,
Skylark and Ill walk alone.
I will admit to being of an age (just) when the songs on this album were
heard regularly on the radio. I recalled, with affection, Lena Horne singing
Stormy Weather; Peggy Lees The way you look
tonight; Deanna Durbin with Say a prayer for the boys over
there; Anne Shelton singing Lili Marlene and Ill
be seeing you; and Elsie Carlisle and A nightingale sang in Berkeley
Square.
A wonderful nostalgic trip
Reviewer
Ian Lace
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