Mosaic Records will soon be releasing a 10-CD box of over 200 classic recordings by big swing bands from 1943-49 that were recorded by the War Department for the worldwide V-Disc program. The intention was to record and deliver the cream of American (and some world) music directly to service people stationed around the country and overseas as a patriotic morale booster during those difficult years.
At first, Army brass were wary of too much popular music being recorded by the new V-Disc program. Many of the early releases were of marches and other patriotic selections, often with the slogan, “Music for Marching Men,” emblazoned on the labels.
It was soon realized that marches were not heavily desired by servicemen and women for spare time listening and relaxing. Marches were fine for the parade grounds, but not in the barracks. Classical, country and ethnic performers soon began to appear on these 12-inch platters. Most wanted was current popular and swing music.
V-Disc producers George T Simon, Tony Janak, Steve Sholes, Morty Palitz and others had spent years working for record companies and music publications. They had many contacts in the music world and were cued in on what listeners wanted to hear. And the big bands were always at the top of the request list!
Ironically, the World War II years were a glorious time for the big bands and show business in general. The thousands of men and women working in the armed services and war production had lots of money to spend, finally ending the decade-long Depression. During those years, the bands rose to tremendous heights of popularity with many groups adding string sections, additional instruments and vocal groups, since the money was rolling in. Though it was difficult for the bands to travel regularly due to gas restrictions, aging buses and worn car tires, most still managed to visit radio stations and service bases all over the country to provide a warm and welcome taste of home.
Because the 1942 to 1944 Petrillo recording ban kept musicians out of the commercial studios, it was a bonus for them to record V-Discs for service personnel, providing a chance to get their latest arrangements and newest songs out to a welcoming listening audience. As long as musicians, singers and bandleaders were willing to record for free, the V-Discers welcomed them with open arms. And they responded with some of their best, most exciting music, before the bubble finally burst after the war ended.
Soldiers, sailors and airmen (and women) now wanted to take their saved-up money and settle down, get a job, get married, buy a house and have kids. Going out to the movies, nightclubs and dance halls didn’t seem so important anymore and venues began to close all over the country. Television was about to catch on and it had little space for the big bands. But what a ride it was while it lasted!
COMMUNITY SWING 