Shellac & Sunshine: Vintage Sounds of Summer
As the days grow longer and the scent of barbecue fills the air, summer settles in—and with it comes a soundtrack that stirs nostalgia and national pride. At the Recorded Sound Archives at FAU, our vintage recordings tell the story of American summers past: patriotic marches, carefree swing tunes, and songs that once drifted from radios on porches and park benches across the country.
Following our Memorial Day Tribute, we invite you to take a deeper dive into the sounds that shaped American summers between the 1920s and 1950s. This curated collection celebrates everything from sunny strolls to star-spangled joyrides. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or simply daydreaming of summers gone by, let these voices and melodies carry you back in time.
Shellac & Sunshine: Vintage Sounds of Summer Playlist
- “He Took her for a Sleigh Ride (In the Good Old Summertime)” – Billy Murray (1941)
A sentimental favorite that became a summertime standard, capturing the simple joys of warm weather and sweet romance with a twist. - “Stars and Stripes Forever” – Sousa’s Band (1926)
No American summer celebration is complete without this patriotic march booming through the air on the Fourth of July. - “Lazybones” – Lee Sims (1933)
The ultimate anthem of taking it slow—perfect for a summer afternoon nap in the shade. - “On the Sunny Side of the Street” – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra & The Sentimentalists (1944)
This swing-era classic radiates optimism and charm, a feel-good favorite of the World War II generation. - “Don’t Fence Me In” – Roy Rogers (1952)
With wide open skies and freedom in the lyrics, this cowboy-tinged tune feels like a musical road trip across the American West. - “America the Beautiful” – Bob Emery’s Choir & Ted Eddy and Orchestra (1951)
A stirring rendition of the American landscape, filled with rich harmonies and national pride. - “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” – Phil Davis and Band (1950s)
An early recording of a timeless tradition—baseball, peanuts, and summer nights. - “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” – Dennis Day (1947)
Whimsical and romantic, this song reflects moonlit summer evenings filled with hope and harmony. - “You Are My Sunshine” – Gene Autry (1941)
Country warmth and heartfelt lyrics made this a favorite for decades, echoing through picnic fields and porch swings alike. - “Summertime” – Billie Holiday and her Orchestra; Artie Shaw; Bunny Berigan; Cozy Cole; Joe Bushkin (1987)
A sultry, haunting classic that evokes the season’s slower rhythms and deeper emotions.
All recordings featured in this playlist are part of the extensive vintage collections at the Recorded Sound Archives, where summer is always just a needle drop away.