Les Brown, b. March 14: SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY - Doris Day - WW2's End - Andrews Sisters - Glenn Miller

[appalachiablue]

- 'Sentimental Journey' by Les Brown & his Orchestra with singer Doris Day (1944). Words & music by: Les Brown, Bud Green, & Ben Homer. Along with Glenn Miller's 'In The Mood' & a few other songs, 'Sentimental Journey' was an unofficial homecoming theme and stands out as one of the most remembered songs of the war years.

By mid-1945, the war was finally coming to an end & husbands, boyfriends, brothers & friends were returning home from a hard fought battle. 'Sentimental Journey" reflected the feelings of thousands of women all across the U.S. The pictures included in this video were ones that I personally liked, though I am not related to any one in them. I dedicate this video to those who were in the military, serving the United States during the 'war years' and to those who lived through it safely here at home. (YT text).
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- Bandleader Les Brown with singer Doris Day, 1946.

- Lester Raymond Brown (March 14, 1912 - Jan. 4, 2001) was an American jazz musician who led the big band, Les Brown & His Band of Renown for nearly 7 decades, 1938- 2000. He was born in Reinerton, Pa. In 1945, his band brought Doris Day into prominence with their recording of 'Sentimental Journey.' The song's release coincided with the end of World War II in Europe & became a return home theme for many veterans. The band had 9 other number -one hit songs, including 'I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.'

In 1952–53, Brown was the orchestra leader on Day's radio program, The Doris Day Show, on CBS. Les Brown and the Band of Renown performed with Bob Hope on radio, stage & television for almost 50 years. They did 18 USO Tours for American troops around the world, & entertained over 3 million people. Before the Super Bowls were televised, the Bob Hope Christmas Specials were the highest-rated programs in TV history. Tony Bennett was 'discovered' by Bob Hope & did his first public performance with Brown and the Band.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Brown_(bandleader)
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- A radio remote of The Andrews Sisters singing Les Brown's standard, 'Sentimental Journey.' c. 1945. Good Photos.
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- Glenn Miller, 'Sentimental Journey' c. 1943. Slideshow of the Liberation of Paris during WWII along with a couple of photos of St. Lo after the battle. Several photos of the USO overseas with Bob Hope & Francis Langford. Many photos courtesy of Life Magazine.



- Glenn Miller, c. 1942.

- Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904 – disappeared Dec. 15, 1944) was an American big band trombonist, arranger, composer & bandleader in the Swing era. He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1942, leading one of the best-known big bands. Miller's recordings include 'In the Mood', 'Moonlight Serenade', 'Pennsylvania 6-5000', 'Chattanooga Choo Choo', 'A String of Pearls', 'At Last', '(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo', 'American Patrol', 'Tuxedo Junction,' 'Elmer's Tune', 'Little Brown Jug', and 'Anvil Chorus'. In just 4 years, Miller scored 16 number-one records and 69 top-10 hits—more than Elvis Presley (38 top 10s) and the Beatles (33 top 10s) did in their careers.

In 1942, Miller volunteered to join the U.S. military to entertain troops during World War II, ending up with the U.S. Army Air Forces. On December 15, 1944, while flying to Paris, Miller's aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Miller

[Tomconroy]

1. One of the truly great songs of the War. Although the boys

wouldn't start coming home until the Fall. You needed points!

[appalachiablue]

3. And some didn't start returning home until '46 like

my dad. After combat with the 7th Army, he served in the Army of Occupation, Munich, Germany area. Meanwhile Mom was living and working in NYC waiting for him to come home.

When Dad returned, she said he was wearing a shortened jacket (like Ike) and had hair almost down to his collar. To celebrate they dined at the popular O'Donnell's seafood restaurant in DC. He got sick, probably from not having fish for years which he liked. After that it was more school, work, and then us.

[Tomconroy]

4. Great stuff. Bravo!

[appalachiablue]

2. The Best of Harry James- Trumpet! Helen Forrest, 'It's Been A Long, Long Time'

Last edited Mon Mar 14, 2022, 08:12 PM - Edit history (1)

- 'It's Been A Long, Long Time,' from Trumpet Blues, The Best of Harry James. Recorded Hollywood, CA, July 21, 1955.

[Tomconroy]

5. Bing had the hit. December 45.

[appalachiablue]

6. Yeah ok, score 1. PS, I never cared for Bing.

[Tomconroy]

7. My father's favorite singer. My father saw him during the War.