Dancing Through the Blitz available on TV Iplayer

[Hornspieler]

A fascinating documentary about the development of Big Band Swing, its effect on the morale of the British public during those dreadful war years which probably only a few of we forum members endured in the 1940s.

Introduced by Jules Holland and Len Goodman, with contributions by Petula Clark and others.

Of particular interest to me was the section on Ken (Snakehips) Johnson, who was killed when a bomb fell on the Cafe de Paris, where he was performing with his Wild West Indian band.

I treasure the copy that I have of his 1936 10inch record of Tuxedo Junction played in its original one-step tempo and coupled with Ida on the flip side.

Basie, Ellington, Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Hampton, Woody Herman and the British Bands of Roy Fox, Jack Hilton, Squadronaires, Henry Hall, Geraldo, Humph, and the singers Ella, Petula Clark, Al Bowlly, all appear on this 80 minute extravaganza.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0645478/dancing-through-the-blitz-blackpools-big-band-story

Only available on the Iplayer until 15th September. Don't delay.

HS

[richardfinegold]

I remember reading a memoir from an American Paratrooper. He had been captured on D Day, escaped and fought with the Resistance until he was able to make it back to American Lines. He was given some R&R in London and wrote about the many Big bands playing in Clubs that he went to accompanied by Fred Astaire's sister, who had moved to London before the War.