This song is pure wartime nostalgia, back when the Greatest Generation was still young. The Chordettes took it into the US Top 20 ('56) while Anne rode atop the UK charts. I loved The Chordettes, but Archie Bleyer (their producer) never heard a gimmick he didn't like. There are no gimmicks on this record, or any of Anne's other hits- only a beautiful lady with a magnificent alto voice- operatic quality. And Joe Meek "performed" on it, too! So happy I discovered this lovely lady!
Takes me back to Two Way Family Favourites on Sundays - it was always requested for someone in BFPO Stuttgart. At school we renamed in Lay down your arms and surrender to men. First time I've heard it for about 70 years.
I WAS only here in the UK ,for 18 months,when I was called to do my National Service ,I was sent to Singapore / Malaya for 18 months, that was e very sad period ,for me and my family and my new friends, I remember going to Liverpool station to catch the train to Southampton ,a few friends came to see me off, playing this record bring me lots of memory's and pride .
My Granddad fought in the Royal Engineers during the Second World War. I know he saw female singers perform for him and the troops, but I can never remember if Anne Shelton was one of them, but I know he absolutely loved her! A real talent - such a beautiful voice! Granddad had good taste in music! :) x
She actually had two number ones, though one of them you won't find on the OCC as it was pre-NME charts era. But Lili Marlene was a #1 for her in 1944.
Very true Ben. Producer Johnny Franz wanted to go to the nearest barracks and record soldiers marching but a Joe Meek sound effect saved the day in the form of Two handfuls of gravel in a shoe box. RGM was a genius even if a flawed one!
The marching sound was provided by a chap holding a tray of gravel, and shaking it in time to the music, finishing up with a dust-covered suit! It was engineered by the famous produer, Joe Meek, who, no doubt, suggested the tray of gravel.
Thank you. Greatly appreciated :D It just popped in there, yesterday. Not heard this since the 1960's :D Sure it was my Nanna that introduced me to the song?
@@elephantsmemory3142 Well she always seemed posh to me - then again im a Scot so maybe it was a North - South thing - As much as Vera had a great voice she had zero sex appeal as apposed to Anne Shelton who oozed sex appeal in looks and voice - thats probably what set them apart
@@williamf4544 I would agree with you Anne had a lot more sex appeal than Vera I thought that Vera was posh when I was young because she came across that way to a kid in Yorkshire anyway
@@elephantsmemory3142 I particularly prefer Vera Lynn, she hasn't stopped in time, despite being very war related, she has moved on and continued to sing and record, first place in the US in 1952 and first place in the UK in 1954, participated and made several programs of television in the 50s, 60s and 70s (The Vera Lynn Show). It was not limited to the war and recorded countless contemporary songs, in 1967 it was in seventh place with 'It hurts to say goodbye' and in 1970 it recorded the album 'Hits of 60's - My Way' with songs that were successful in the 60s, in 1976 recorded an album with Christmas songs, 1977 'Vera Lynn in Nashivele' with country songs and in 1979 'Vera Lynn - Thank you for the music' including ABBA songs on this album, in the 80s and until his retirement in 1995 he continued singing, that is, it did not stop at wartime. Even after 1995 she continued to give interviews and participate in events, unfortunately passed away last year, but she had a long and fruitful life.
"Two Way Family Favourites" every Sunday on the "Light Programme" (?) of BBC radio in mid-1950's and broadcast to British Services personnel overseas...this song was frequently requested. I was very young so not sure if I remember correctly, but was it followed by The Billy Cotton Band Show? Just the thought conjures up the smell of roast beef and Yorkshire pud, our one lavish family meal of the week!
Regards acmes opinion of feminists women worked in munition.they all did men's work and nursing .if they had not he may not be here today. ,,cos his dad or. ,granddad would have been killed .he might be the next victim who needs care let's hope he won't need a woman.
