Talks
My talks are a little different as they are illustrated with songs!
I address WIs, U3As, historical societies and community groups.
Singing for Victory:
the Forces' Sweethearts of WW2
A talk about the lives and experience of three 'Sweethearts' - Gracie Fields, Joyce Grenfell and Vera Lynn - who went out with ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) into the theatres of war to sing for troops behind the lines and in the hospitals.
Featuring performances of WW2 songs including We'll Meet Again and the White Cliffs of Dover.
The Development of the
Great American Songbook
A talk about the development of the Great American Songbook - the songs of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Dorothy Fields and others, mainly living and working in New York City. Starting with the publishing revolution in Tin Pan Alley, via the influences of jazz, blues and ragtime, the Great American Songbook changed popular song and musical theatre forever.
Featuring songs including You're the Top, Over the Rainbow and Ain't Misbehavin'.
