Singing, Soldiering, and Sheet Music in America During the First World War

The First World War was a time of great upheaval and change, both in America and around the world. The United States entered the war in 1917, and over four million American soldiers were sent to fight in Europe. For many of these soldiers, music played an important role in their experience of the war.

The Power of Song

Music has the power to inspire, uplift, and motivate. During the First World War, music was used to boost morale, provide entertainment, and help soldiers cope with the horrors of war.

Singing, Soldiering, and Sheet Music in America during the First World War

by Elissa Schappell

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	101047 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	231 pages

FREE

One of the most popular songs of the war was "Over There," written by George M. Cohan. The song became a rallying cry for American soldiers and helped to boost their morale. Other popular songs of the war included "Keep the Home Fires Burning," "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag," and "Smile, Smile, Smile."

Music and Morale

Music played an important role in boosting morale for American soldiers during the First World War. The songs they sang helped to create a sense of camaraderie and unity, and they gave soldiers a way to express their feelings about the war.

In addition to singing popular songs, soldiers also composed their own songs and poems. These songs often reflected the soldiers' experiences of the war, and they provided a way for them to cope with the hardships they faced.

Sheet Music and the War

Sheet music was a popular form of entertainment during the First World War. Soldiers often purchased sheet music of their favorite songs so that they could sing and play them in their barracks or around campfires. Sheet music also provided a way for soldiers to stay connected with their loved ones back home.

One of the most popular sheet music publishers during the First World War was the M. Witmark & Sons company. Witmark published a wide variety of songs, including popular hits, patriotic songs, and songs for soldiers. Witmark also published a number of songbooks specifically for soldiers, which included songs that were easy to sing and play.

The Legacy of Wartime Tunes

The songs of the First World War continue to be popular today. Many of these songs have become standards of American popular music, and they are still sung and played by people all over the world. These songs remind us of the sacrifices that our soldiers made during the war, and they help us to understand the experiences of those who fought.

Here are some of the most popular and enduring songs of the First World War:

• "Over There" by George M. Cohan
• "Keep the Home Fires Burning" by Ivor Novello
• "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag" by Felix Powell and George Asaf
• "Smile, Smile, Smile" by Lee Morse and Harry M. Woods
• "The Long, Long Trail" by Zo Elliot and Ballard MacDonald
• "Tipperary" by Harry Williams and Jack Judge
• "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" by Jack Judge and Harry Williams
• "I Didn't Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier" by Alfred Bryan and Al Piantadosi
• "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin

The songs of the First World War are a reminder of the sacrifices that our soldiers made during that conflict. These songs helped to boost morale, provide entertainment, and help soldiers cope with the horrors of war. The legacy of these songs continues to live on today, and they continue to inspire and uplift people all over the world.

Singing, Soldiering, and Sheet Music in America during the First World War

by Elissa Schappell

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	101047 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	231 pages

FREE