Are you kicking around the idea of hosting a 1940s themed party? Will you also be in charge of setting up the event’s playlist? If so, I’d like to help by offering up a few suggestions. Each one is a song that I have used at similar events over the course of my party planning career. Here they are:
“Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar”
If you want to get your guests up and dancing, I’d definitely recommend that you grab a copy of Don Raye’s song “Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar.” Based on my experience, it has a really catchy beat and cool lyrics that are easy to remember. The song is available on The Andrews Sisters’ album “Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar” along with other wonderful tunes like “I’ll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time” and “Only for Americans.”
“Chattanooga Choo Choo”
Mack Gordon and Harry Warren’s song “Chattanooga Choo Choo” is one that I would strongly suggest utilizing as well. It was always a frequently requested song at my 1940s themed events, so I suspect that your guests may ask for it as well. I’d also suggest that you utilize the version sung by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. It’s on his album “Recreating the Irish Concerts.” In my opinion, it was one of the best renditions of the song. If you can’t find that one, Cab Calloway and His Orchestra’s version is a good one as well.
“Sentimental Journey”
In my experience, Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer’s hit “Sentimental Journey” is a “must have” too. Personally, I like the song because it was one of my grandfather’s favorites. He was a WWII veteran and it reminded him of his homecoming. Over the years, it has also been wildly popular among my party guests. One of the best versions is on Doris Day’s album “Sentimental Journey.” The album also contains a copy of “Broom Street Rag” and “Boogie Woogie Piggy.
“Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)”
Charles Tobias, Lew Brown and Sam H. Stept’s song “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)” is another song that I would recommend playing at your 1940s era event. Although others have been associated with the tune, I am a big fan of The Andrews Sisters’ version. You can find a copy of it on their album “20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Andrew Sisters.” It contains a copy of the ever popular song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” too.
“When You Wish Upon a Star”
Lastly, Leigh Harline and Ned Washington’s song “When You Wish Upon a Star” is a super one to include on your list as well. It always reminds me of Walt Disney. I’d also suggest playing it as your guests arrive or as they leave because it’s bound to make them feel happy. Who knows, it may even spur an impromptu sing-a-long. You can find an excellent rendition of the tune on Rosemary Clooney’s album “16 Most Requested Songs.”
Source: Personal Experience
More from this contributor:
Best 5 Wines to Serve with Apple Pie
How I Met Shelley Winters and Deborah Harry
Interview with Apollo Theater Bassist Alex Evans
Felipe Lima Interview: My Conversation with the Skate Film Maker
