As the ‘40s progressed, the United States found one crisis fading while another even worse crisis developed overseas. Just as the country seemed to be getting a handle on the economic downturn of the ‘30s, a European World War was spreading like wildfire. U.S. involvement seemed imminent, but even at the end of 1940, some hope lingered that we would not be drawn in to the cataclysmic maelstrom that surrounded us.

Over the radio, FDR delivered “fireside chats” to the American people, while a steady stream of ever more sophisticated programming delivered news, comedy, drama, mystery, and most of all, music.

Featured songs include:

South of the Border – Shep Fields

When the Saints Go Marching In – Louis Armstrong

Whispering Grass – The Ink Spots

Maybe – The Ink Spots

Tuxedo Junction – Glenn Miller Orchestra

I’ll Never Smile Again – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra w/ Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers

Fools Rush In – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra w/Frank Sinatra

Frenesi – Artie Shaw

Body and Soul – Coleman Hawkins

I’m Beginning to See the Light – Harry James Orchestra w/ Kitty Kallen

Laura – Woody Herman Orchestra

Linda – Ray Noble & His Orchestra