Flying into the 40s
In the last two posts, I detailed how jazz and swing music dominated within the 20s and 30s of the 1900s. As we venture into the 40s, jazz and swing still proved to be highly relevant genres, yet a new style of music emerged known as “vocal pop” or “traditional pop.” After the end of World War II, music shifted from an influx of instrumental music to a more lyrical take combined with instrumentals. This gave rise to a handful of soloists whose names may be familiar to you such as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Additionally, the introduction of the radio as a household item allowed these artists to flourish and climb in popularity.
Bing Crosby, born on May 3, 1903, was raised within a musically inclined family and began his love for 
music during his early adult years where he learned to sing and play the drums while surprisingly practicing law at Gonzaga University. Within the 30s, he began to star in a number of sound films and by the 1940s, he was the star of a popular radio show. Furthermore, he also became a reputable actor during this period where he starred in the musical Holiday Inn and even won an Academy Award for his performance in the 1944 film Going My Way. When I hear the name Bing Crosby, I traditionally associate it with Christmas music, which I have a guilty pleasure for listening to several months before Christmas. My favorite Bing Crosby song has to be one of his most well-known: “White Christmas.”
In my personal opinions, one of the greatest vocalists of all time is Frank Albert Sinatra. Frank Sinatra 
was born on December 12, 1915 who actually got inspiration to begin singing as a teenager from none other than Bing Crosby. He joined a singing group in the 30s and eventually received offer from the famous Dorsey Brothers (who are actually from my home county) in which they collaborated on a plethora of recordings between 1940 and 1942. In the course of time, Sinatra would move onto sign with Columbia Records where he smashed out a number of record hits and ultimately surged to one of the most famous artists of his time. Two of my favorite pieces sung by Sinatra are “Witchcraft” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
The 1940s was definitely one of my favorite eras of music. The style and persona of the post-war country always brings me joy. I found a passion for Sinatra during my eighth grade year in middle school when my friends and I gave in and decided to do the school musical of “Guys and Dolls.” Within the original movie, Sinatra played the role of Nathan Detroit and since hearing his demigod-like voice, I instantly took an interest in him as well as the other artists who produced similar vocals. As previously stated, I cannot wait for December to roll around so I can listen to Crosby and Sinatra sing holiday tunes without getting odd looks (as I do in September)!
music during his early adult years where he learned to sing and play the drums while surprisingly practicing law at Gonzaga University. Within the 30s, he began to star in a number of sound films and by the 1940s, he was the star of a popular radio show. Furthermore, he also became a reputable actor during this period where he starred in the musical Holiday Inn and even won an Academy Award for his performance in the 1944 film Going My Way. When I hear the name Bing Crosby, I traditionally associate it with Christmas music, which I have a guilty pleasure for listening to several months before Christmas. My favorite Bing Crosby song has to be one of his most well-known: “White Christmas.”
was born on December 12, 1915 who actually got inspiration to begin singing as a teenager from none other than Bing Crosby. He joined a singing group in the 30s and eventually received offer from the famous Dorsey Brothers (who are actually from my home county) in which they collaborated on a plethora of recordings between 1940 and 1942. In the course of time, Sinatra would move onto sign with Columbia Records where he smashed out a number of record hits and ultimately surged to one of the most famous artists of his time. Two of my favorite pieces sung by Sinatra are “Witchcraft” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
It’s very weird to think that Frank sinatra and bing Crosby were popular in the 40s because my dad would have me listening to them all the time as a young child. I have even watched a lot of the Films crosby has been in (my favorite being the actual movie White christmas). I never really considered it before but the radio sure did help their rise to prominence. It makes me wonder about all the other Fantastic vocalists that came just to early for the radio or just to late to upstage Sinatra. This was a Fantastic read about two musicians that are very close to my heart. Great Post!
To me, The era of 40s music is a smooth transition between the jazz and pop styles. 40s music is super smooth and relaxing, and I love how the whole era has a unique “Christmas music” vibe to it. I’ve been enjoying the journey through the decades of music – it really makes me appreciate when music was played with instruments, not computers and autotune, and artists pursued musical careers for enjoyment, not money. As I continue to explore “real music,” I will be sure to let 40s music make a comeback on my playlists! Elegant era of music and an elegant analysis of it!
This post on music in the 40s was very informative. I have just realized whenever I learn about music, the Music from the 1940s is never Really brought up nor are the artists. The way you Described Sinatra and Crosby’s music was fun I’ll have to give them a Listen when I can. I like how you are open to and take such an Interest in music of all time periods.