Right now, Disney+ is running A Small Light, a new National Geographic dramatic series about the life of Anne Frank. Este Haim serves as an executive producer for the show’s soundtrack, and she’s brought in many of her peers to cover songs from the World War II era. Every week, along with episodes of the show, we get two more songs. Last week, it was Danielle Haim singing Doris Day’s “Till We Meet Again” and Kamasi Washington covering Charlie Parker’s “Cheryl.” Today, it’s contributions from prestige-TV veterans Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, both singing songs written in 1938.
Peter Marshall hosts this special featuring vintage live, rare, and unreleased footage of bands and vocalists from the 1930s and 40s. Tune in or livestream ‘The Big Band Years’ Fri, Aug. 19 at 8pm on WSIU TV.
Various Artists
Moonlight Serenade - Miller
Darn That Dream - DeLange
Blues in the Night - Arlen
Hold Tight, Hold Tight - Brandow
An Apple for the Teacher - Burke
Cherokee - Noble, Ray
In the Mood - Garland
Our Love - Bernier, Buddy
Beer Barrel Polka - Brown
Day in, Day Out - Bloom
Bubbles in the Wine - Calame
Three Little Fishes - Dowell
God Bless America - Berlin
Re-Release Date: 10/23/2007 (5 out of 5 stars) 1939 was a year of change. America was still struggling with the Great Depression, and war was once again looming on the horizon in Europe, as Nazi Germany invaded Poland, beginning World War II. Glenn Miller was fast becoming one of the most popular band leaders, and popular singers such as Bing Crosby, Mary Martin, the Andrews Sisters and Kate Smith were still giving us feel-good music. Nylons were becoming popular with young women. John Steinbeck published one of his award-winning novels, The Grapes of Wrath. Movies debuting in 1939 included The Ph