Introduction
Music during the beginning of this era (40's) for the most part still stuck with previous genres such as a Jazz, Blues and Swing. However as the years progressed, a new genre emerged called Rock n' Roll. This new genre was basically a mixture of African American musical styles such as Boogie Woogie, Gospel, and others of the sort. Along with this emergence, there was also more music related to the war that was going on around the world. Surprisingly though, the music that was played was more focused on strength and romance as oppose to patriotism. With the majority of Americans having radios at the time, there was a much more wider range of access to music throughout WWII. This helped boost American morale, and there was in turn a rise of diversity in musicians nationwide. There also came a rise of many famous singers that are still well-known today as being founding figures for the music in America.
Primary Source
This song was written by a man named Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra was a well known singer back in the mid-1900's. He created many songs during this era portraying various themes from holidays to politics. In this particular excerpt, Sinatra has composed lyrics to a song called "High Hopes". Actually, this is a rendition of his original verison made exclusively for a man named John F. Kennedy. In 1959, Kennedy was running for president of the United States. It just so happened that Frank Sinatra was a supporter of his and decided to edit the lyrics of his song to portray one that would draw attention from voters. In this new song, he bases his compostion on the idea that John Kennedy was a faithful and optimistic man who could be trusted to lead the country. As simple as it was lyrically, it quickly became a hit across America because people were hooked on the catchy tune. In addition, voters now found a way to connect with John Kennedy through means other than common political rallying, and this was made possible by the power of music. With a clear message that embodied the song, people would donate money to Kennedy's campaign in exchange for his autograph on Sinatra's record. In the end, John Kennedy's supporters had grown so much that they lifted him onto the presidential throne within a matter of months.
In today's society, many campaigns utilize music to increase support for their respective party. The song choice is usually affiliated with the candidate's cause in a way that makes their message unforgettable. It is thanks to Frank Sinatra that this method of advertisement is being implemented in so many elections now as he showed that one man can truly make a political impact through the expression of music.
In today's society, many campaigns utilize music to increase support for their respective party. The song choice is usually affiliated with the candidate's cause in a way that makes their message unforgettable. It is thanks to Frank Sinatra that this method of advertisement is being implemented in so many elections now as he showed that one man can truly make a political impact through the expression of music.
International Sweethearts of Women (Photograph)
Seen to the right shows a few girls from a group called The International Sweethearts of Women. This band is famous for being the first All-Women's band in the United States. It was comprised of many talented musicians... During this era, since most men were out fighting in World War 2, women were left at home to fulfull the duties that men usually carried out. The idea was that if a man had the time to play an instrument, then they had should have to time to enlist as a soldier. It was because of this that music playing became more of a feminized thing in the mid 1900's, and America soon began seeing more women partake in the music industry as a result.
I believe that the formation of female bands created somewhat of a breakthrough in the history of music in America. It was because of this change that so many women today are more open to joining bands and becoming musicians in this world.
I believe that the formation of female bands created somewhat of a breakthrough in the history of music in America. It was because of this change that so many women today are more open to joining bands and becoming musicians in this world.
Elvis Presley (Photograph)
This is a picture of a man named Elvis Presley. At the time, Elvis was one of the most well-known singers in America. Elvis specialized in a music genre called Rock n' Roll which was just emerging during the 1950's. His unique style as an performer attracted many people and so it was because of this that his music became so popular. Elvis not only served as an entertainer, but as an inspiration for others as well to pursue their passion for Rock n' Roll. Some of the most notable songs that he composed during this time includes "Hound Dog" and "Can't Help Falling in Love".
"You're a Sap, Mr. Jap" (Video)
"You're a Sap, Mr. Jap" was a comical short film released by Paramount Pictures in 1942. It portrayed Popeye the Sailor in his efforts to take down a Japanese Naval Ship in the Pacific. The film was not actually aired on television due to racial reasons and the due to the fact that a Japanese military officer commits suicide by consuming a container of gasoline at the end. The film is just one example of how music was used during World War 2 to reassure Americans that they had the upper hand in the battle. The exaggeration of Popeye's utter strength made it very easy for him to take down the Japanese soldiers. In addition, the underlying tune of a choir singing "You're a Sap, Mr. Jap" both in the beginning and end of the video added a sense of humor to everything, essentially stating that the Japanese are a fool for thinking they could take on America. In short, the combination of American music and film making created a piece of propaganda that ultimately made the Japanese look inferior to the Americans in comedic way to viewers.