-
1001 Songs Challenge #36: I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (1949)
A prolific songwriter and popular entertainer in his day, Hank Williams seemingly had it all but he would sadly die aged only 29.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #35: Saturday Night Fish Fry (1949)
This is an epic song with a multitude of verses sandwiching the chorus. Louis Jordan takes us on an action-packed & somewhat comedic evening.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #34: Nature Boy (1948)
eden ahbez wrote the song after spending time with Nature Boys, followers of German philosophy that stipulated a diet of fruit & vegetables.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #33: Good Rockin’ Tonight (1947)
In Good Rockin’ Tonight Brown sings of how he has heard about the good rockin’ of the title and he beseeches a woman to join him.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #32: White Christmas (1947)
Written by Irving Berlin, White Christmas is an essential festive song on any compilation you have on repeat throughout December
-
1001 Songs Challenge #31: La Mer (1946)
Charles Trenet opted for a simple subject in his celebration of the sea but it is one that gave him great acclaim and deserve it he did.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #30: La Vie en Rose (1946)
Edith Piaf’s life was a sombre one but she was able to reach into the depths of her troubled soul to pluck songs such as this from the void.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #29: Al gurugu (1946)
La Nina de Los Peines is considered the greatest flamenco singer of the 20th century and Al gurugu is considered one of her best songs.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #28: (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 (1946)
As a song, Route 66 is a piece of history in itself, celebrating a legendary highway that has fallen victim to the passing of the years now.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #27: Lili Marleen (1945)
Lili Marleen became very popular on the radio for both German and Allied soldiers, doubtless making them think of their own loved ones.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #26: This Land is Your Land (1944)
This Land is Your Land follows a scenic narrative with Woody Guthrie describing many of the wonders to be found in America.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #25: Rum and Coca-Cola (1943)
Rum and Coca Cola’s origins can be found in World War II when thousands of US soldiers were stationed in Trinidad as a defensive measure.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #24: Stormy Weather (1943)
Stormy Weather uses an extended metaphor with the dark clouds and rain emphasising that when her man left, he took the sun away with him.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #23: God Bless the Child (1941)
Today sees Billie Holiday hit the list for the 3rd time, more than any other artist so far and a testament to her enduring appeal and legend.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #22: Guantanamera (1941)
The song is said to be about a peasant woman from Guantanamo, hence Guajira Guantanamera, that makes up the chorus to the song.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #21: Gloomy Sunday (1941)
In other circles Gloomy Sunday is known as Hungarian Suicide Song which gives an immediate insight into its subject matter.
-
1001 Songs Challenge #20: Java Jive (1940)
Java Jive speaks of a love for coffee (not for me) and tea (you’ve got my attention now) and how the coffee loves the drinker as well.