| The Best Music of the 1940's |
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| Written by Marissa Minnick | ||||||
| Monday, 09 February 2009 | ||||||
 Many talented American musicians gained popularity in the 1940's during World War II. Citizens all over the country and the world looked to their memorable voices for comfort in what were turbulent times, and many of these musicians are still making an impact in today's music world.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 February 2009 ) | ||||||
Billie Holiday (1915-1959) One of the most influencial jazz singers of all time, Billie Holiday became interested in singing during her teenage years. After producer John Hammond caught one of her performances in a small club in Harlem. During the 30's, she recorded a number of songs including "What a little moonlight can do" and "Miss Brown to You." Over the next few years, her songs became deeper and included topics like lynchings of African-Americans and stormy relationships. During the mid forties, after recording some of her most popular songs, Billie picked up a distructive drug habit that eventually led to jail time, and after that, her death. Even though she struggled with drugs at the end of her life, her strong, beautiful voice is remembered even today as one of the best examples of jazz.
The Weavers-Said to have inspired the folk music movement in the 50's and 60's, The Weavers were a quartet formed by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger, both former members of another band called the Almanac Singers. Both Seeger and Hays had very left-wing political views at their time and considered themselves dedicated communists during World War II. Eventually, two other members joined and the band started to record in the late 40's. In 1949, the Weavers were able to capture a gig at a New York club called the Village Vanguard. There, they were exposed to the world and were distinguished by reviewers because of their unique folky sound that had not yet been heard. Due to their left-wing politics, though, the group eventually had to call it quits by 1952. Pete Seeger continued as a folk singer, though, and on January 19th, 2009, sang the classic Woody Guthrie song "This Land is Your Land" at the Barack Obama inauguration concert.
Bing Crosby (1903-1977) Considered by many to be one of the greatest crooners in American history, Bing Crosby has one of the most recognizable voices, even today. After studying Law at Gonzaga University, Bing played the drums in his friend's band. He eventually learned how to play the piano, and started to sing. After gaining national popularity over the course of a few years, Bing was asked by NBC to take over Kraft Music Hall, an early version of what was later to called the variety show. During World War II, he helped many soldiers' families by writing letters to them and selling war bonds. At the end of the war, an army poll showed that he was the individual who had done the most to boost wartime morale. His recording of "White Christmas" is the most popular recording ever and has appeared on American pop charts 20 times.
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