The Influence of War on Music essays

The Influence of War on Music essays War is perceived by government as a means of solution between opposing nations. Since differences of opinion cause war, of course there will be differing opinions about war. A person in a country, whether directly or indirectly involved, must adept their ways of life according to the war. This could mean adapting to meet the needs of the government in favor of the war, or adapting in a way against the war; devoting their energy in attempt to end it. In America especially, the people use the arts to express their ideas. The most prevalent art form used in uniting masses and speaking out is music. Popular music is usually a direct reflection of the general society at a given period of time. Coming out of the depression, the blues were at their peak. Lonnie Johnson and Louie Armstrong were common voices that spoke to the ordinary man who could closely relate to the soulful melodic ballads. When World War II began, evidence of the war started showing up in the music. The glory of war was not as predominant in the music as it was in WWI, however there were still many that were feel good melodies that attempted to cheer up the soldiers in time of combat. Big bands played a huge role at this period. An example of this would be the Canteen Bounce by Henry Busse and his Orchestra. There were also songs that came out during that time that referred directly of the hardships of the war. Examples of this are No Name Jive by Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra and Ive Been Drafted and Now Im Drafting You by Chuck Foster and his Orchestra. A famous ballad during the time of World War II is White Christmas, first sung by Bing Crosby. White Christmas is a song of peace and yearning for the ones we used to know. It was released to a war torn public during the darkest days of WWII, and was written by Irving Berlin, who happene...