The Second World War waged around the globe from 1939 to 1945.
The impact of WWII on the daily lives of Americans and Europeans cannot be overstated. As the atrocities of the Nazis raged in Europe, American men were drafted and called to war. American music of the WWII era spoke to the soldiers far from home and also to those they left behind.
The Second World War changed the course of history in many ways. One of the things that changed was music…what it sounded like, how we listened to it and how intimately it touched our lives.
During WWII music became personal as well as entertaining. Major technological advances such as radio and phonograph recordings took music out of the theater and into middle-class homes. Big Bands, Jazz and Swing created a new vibe that defined a generation.
The Recorded Sound Archives has put together a collection of some of the best loved songs from the World War II era.
Please note, due to copyright some items may only be available as a 45 second snippet.
If you are a researcher or educator in need of full access to these recordings and additional materials (PDF, front/back covers, and record label scans), you can apply for Research Station Access
FAU Students, Faculty and Staff can listen to recordings and access additional materials unrestricted by clicking the Research Station icon located in the upper right corner of the website logging in using their FAU NET ID and password.
