Shows
The A to Z of Wartime SongRun, Rabbit, Run - Propaganda, Parody and PunchlinesIn this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine hop into the world of one of WWII’s catchiest tunes: “Run, Rabbit, Run!”. Made famous by comedy duo Flanagan and Allen, the song took on a life of its own - boosting morale, teasing the Luftwaffe and even becoming a favourite of Winston Churchill. They explore the song’s theatrical roots in Noel Gay’s The Little Dog Laughed, its transformation into a patriotic earworm and its cheeky parody lyrics aimed at Hitler and co. Along the way, they dive into the extrao...2025-08-1044 min
The A to Z of Wartime Song(In The) Quartermaster’s Stores - Murgatroyd, Winterbottom and Wartime WisecracksIn this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine dive into the wonderfully absurd world of In the Quartermaster’s Stores - the endlessly versatile, delightfully chaotic list song beloved by soldiers, scouts and singers around the world. They trace its murky origins, from WWI army camps to RAF hangars, scout campfires, and even the Spanish Civil War, where American volunteers sang it on the front lines. But this quirky tune leads them somewhere unexpected: straight into the gleefully anarchic world of 1930s and 40s British comedy, and the br...2025-08-0342 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongPack Up Your Troubles - Two Brothers, One Anthem and the Cost of WarIn this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore one of the most famous morale-boosting anthems of the First World War: Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile. They uncover the remarkable story of its creators - Welsh brothers George and Felix Powell -whose music hall careers and contrasting wartime paths tell a poignant tale of fame, conscience, and tragedy. While George became a pacifist and conscientious objector, Felix served on the front lines, later suffering a breakdown that echoed through the rest of...2025-07-2746 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongOver There – The Yanks Are Coming: WW1, George M Cohan and a Song to Stir a NationIn this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine delve into the rousing WWI anthem “Over There”, written in 1917 by Broadway legend George M. Cohan. They explore the song’s role as a call to arms for newly enlisted American soldiers and examine Cohan’s remarkable life as a performer, playwright, composer and the man who “owned Broadway”. From the showbiz roots of The Four Cohans to a Presidential Gold Medal from FDR, his story is one of theatrical brilliance and patriotic flair. The episode also shines a light on the trailblazing...2025-07-2052 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongNow Is The Hour - Gracie Fields and a New Zealand Lullaby Turned Global GoodbyeIn this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the poignant and poetic “Now Is the Hour”, a wartime farewell song which started life in New Zealand. They trace the tune’s journey from the 1913 piano piece “Swiss Cradle Song” through its Maori adaptation as “Po Atarau”, to its powerful role in farewelling ANZAC soldiers and its eventual transformation into the global hit we know today. Alongside Gracie Fields’ famous rendition, the episode spotlights the many competing recordings that flooded the charts in 1948, including versions by Bing Crosby, Margaret Whiting and many more...2025-07-1357 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongMoonlight Serenade – A Signature Sound and a Vanished StarIn this episode of The A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore one of the most iconic and romantic tunes of the wartime era - Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.” They trace the song’s evolution from a jazzy instrumental to a timeless anthem of love and longing, and reflect on the life and legacy of bandleader Glenn Miller, from his early days milking cows to buy a trombone, to his meteoric rise with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and his mysterious disappearance over the English Channel in 1944. Along the way, they delve into the tech...2025-06-1552 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongLili Marlene - From Berlin to El Alamein: The Song that Crossed the Front LineIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history and emotional impact of wartime songs, focusing on the iconic “Lili Marlene”. They discuss its origins, adaptations and the various artists who have performed it, including Marlene Dietrich and Lale Anderson. The conversation delves into the song's significance for soldiers during World War II and its lasting legacy in music history. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN REFERENCES Lauder @ Hoxton Hall https://hoxtonhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660809 East Kirkby Airfie...2025-06-0850 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongKeep the Home Fires Burning - Poetry and Pop MusicIn this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine discuss Ivor Novello’s 1914 hit “Keep the Home Fires Burning”. They explore Novello’s life and WW1 service, his collaboration with lyricist Lena Guilbert Ford and her tragic death in a Zepplin raid on London in 1918. Alongside this their conversation covers the sad tale of WW1 poet and composer Ivor Gurney and Novello’s connection to another WW1 poet, Seigfied Sassoon. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLA...2025-06-0151 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongJolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier - Drag Kings and ThingsIn this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on Vesta Tilley’s 1907 hit “Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier”. Along the way they discuss the life of Vesta Tilley, the use of Music Hall in recruitment for Kitchener’s Army in WWI and highlight a number of the trailblazing male impersonators and their contributions to the Music Hall. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1...2025-05-2548 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongI'll Be Seeing You - Sentimentality and SeparationIn this episode, hosts Tom Carradine and Lili Redman delve into the emotional and historical significance of the wartime song 'I'll Be Seeing You.' They explore its origins, the songwriters behind it and its impact during World War II. Their conversation highlights various interpretations and recordings of the song, emphasizing its universal themes of love, loss and hope. Through their musical analysis and personal anecdotes, the hosts bring to life the enduring legacy of this classic ballad. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.c...2025-05-1851 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongThe Handsome Territorial - Novelty Dance Crazes of the 1940sIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on “The Handsome Territorial”. They delve into the life of the songwriters Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, the evolution of the Hokey Cockey and the controversies surrounding it’s origins. They look at the other popular dance crazes of the 1940s, analyze the music and lyrics of “The Handsome Territorial” and reflect on why it has faded from public memory. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN...2025-05-1142 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongGoodnight Children, Everywhere - Evacuation's Emotional TollIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on 'Good Night Children, Everywhere' and the legacy of Vera Lynn. They discuss her early career, her contribution to entertaining the troops in WW2 and her rise to become the “forces sweetheart”. Along the way their conversion delves into the experiences of child evacuees, an analysis of the song and the many recordings which are available and even the first polyphonic synthesiser, which featured on two of Lynn’s iconic recordings. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify...2025-05-0450 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongThe Further It Is From Tipperary - The USA in WW1In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin’ from WW1. They discuss the song’s inspiration in ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’, the life of the songwriter Jack Judge and the controversies surrounding song credit. The conversation also touches on the rise of Tin Pan Alley, the prolific career of Billy Murray and the impact of recording technology on the performance style of the time. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their...2025-04-2749 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongEverything Stops For Tea - Rationing and Britain's Favourite BeverageIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Everything Stops for Tea.' They discuss the cultural significance of tea during wartime, the life of Jack Buchanan and the impact of rationing on society. The conversation also delves into various musical versions and performances, highlighting the importance of these songs in lifting spirits during difficult times. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FQDrBphYqYLAuN6Jm01PN REFERENCES Tom at Leeds City Varieties https://www.tiktok.com/@t...2025-04-2049 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongThe Deepest Shelter in Town - Blitz and BobsIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on the song 'The Deepest Shelter in Town.' They discuss the impact of music during World War II, the life of performer Florence Desmond and the role of entertainers in boosting morale. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about their experiences on the London cabaret scene, the Blitz and it’s effect on Britain, ARP (air raid precautions) and even the sex workers of London during WW2. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist he...2025-04-1351 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongComin' In on a Wing and a Prayer - Bombs Away and Barely Making It BackIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer.' They pay tribute to John Paddy Hemingway, discuss the impact of the musician strike during WWII, and delve into the cultural significance of these songs. The conversation highlights personal stories, the diversity within the RAF, and the legacy of wartime music, showcasing how these melodies provided hope and resilience during challenging times. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify...2025-04-0646 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongBless 'Em All - The Long and the Short of ItIn this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on “Bless ‘Em All” and its significance during World War II. They discuss the WWI origins of the song, its evolution through various artists and the role of ENSA in providing entertainment to troops. The conversation highlights George Formby's impact on wartime music and the various versions of 'Bless Them All' that have emerged over the years, showcasing the song's enduring legacy and its connection to British culture. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotif...2025-04-0641 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongAdolf - Biting Off More Than He Can Chew?In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on their cultural significance during World War I and II. They discuss the podcast's concept, the song 'Adolf', and the lives of notable figures like Annette Mills and Arthur Askey. The conversation delves into the role of variety shows, the impact of propaganda songs, and the legacy of entertainers like Billy Cotton. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next episode, promising more insights into wartime music. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their...2025-04-0641 min
The A to Z of Wartime SongWelcome to the A to Z of Wartime SongWelcome to the A to Z of Wartime Song. Let Lili and Tom take you on a journey through the songs that helped people laugh, cry and carry on during the dark days of the wartime. Each episode they'll explore a different wartime song, unpacking its story, who sang it, and why it resonates with us and hopefully you today. Expect fascinating history, toe-tapping melodies and plenty of gossip along the way. So whether you're a history buff, a vintage music lover, or just looking for a podcast filled with fascinating stories, then this is t...2025-03-3101 min