This is my dad at the age of 28 in 1941. He looked quite dapper especially with the Clark Gable/ Error Flynn mustache. Sorry for the bright light on his cheek, it caught my flash. Yesterday, was the 36th anniversary of his death at age 75 from brain cancer. The last year of his life was a tough one, but he met it with his forthright manner and gentlemanly ways, albeit with some orneriness thrown in. At this time, he was ready to join the Canadian army to fight in the war. He was part of the liberation of Holland and was wounded in the battle in the Reischwald Forest very near the end of the war. He loved all sorts of music even missed my mom's funeral music when she had to go home for medical reasons back in 1960. Oh, that's classical music to you and me and, he did really appreciate classical music and liked it, later on. Anyhoo, here are 3 musical pieces he loved...
1. OLD MAN AND OLD WOMAN WITH DON MESSER
Don Messer and his Jubilee was a Canadian institution first on radio and then on CBC TV from 1959-1969 and when it got cancelled, Channel 11 took this variety show over from 1959 to 74 when Don passed away. He played the ole fashioned fiddle music which my dad loved. In fact, his grandfather was a fiddler who played at dances, weddings etc... pretty cool.
2. WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER SUNG BY VERA LYNN-1942
Vera Lynn was and is a British singing institution that made the soldiers dream of happier times. My dad really enjoyed her voice and the war songs of this time, like so many.
3. RINGO "SUNG" BY LORNE GREENE-1964
My dad loved "Bonanza" ( so do I) and Canadian Lorne Greene became a household name plus being routinely called one of the best fathers a person could have. His unique and deep voice was known as " The Voice of Doom" because he would give the events of the war on Canadian airwaves and lent his voice to a couple of war documentaries plus he read out the casualties, a sad event. Anyhoo, this song became a big hit the year I was born and, yup, I have this album. He didn't sing as much as talked the lyrics to great effect.
He would have loved our dog, Harley, looking like " What? Me worry?"
Hi Birgit!
ReplyDeleteit was a wonderful gesture on your part to remember and honor your father on the anniversary of his passing by posting three of his favorite songs. He was indeed a handsome and distinguished man who could pass for a movie star of the period. Thank you for telling us about his sense of duty and the courage he exhibited throughout his life, including that difficult final year.
The clip from Don Messer and his Jubilee is a lively fiddle-driven number and great fun to watch. I first came to know the song "White Cliffs Of Dover" in my twenties because it was covered by several 1950s rhythm and blues vocal groups in my vinyl record collection. I thoroughly enjoyed Vera Lynn's recording.
Like you and your dad, my dad and I watched and loved Bonanza. Yessum, Lorne Greene had a deep, rich voice well suited to voicing war documentaries and spoken-word songs like his huge 1964 hit "Ringo," a single that topped the U.S. chart in December that year. The song was penned and recorded before The Beatles became popular in America, and Greene insisted it was about the notorious outlaw Johnny Ringo, and not about the famous English mop-top drummer. Nevertheless, the timing of the song's release as a single made it seem like it was somehow connected with the Beatles and no doubt helped boost sales. I can picture Lorne Greene kneeling beside your Harley and offering him Alpo Beef Chunks, being very careful to keep his fingers far away from your pooch's hungry jowls.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, dear friend BB, and I'll be back here waiting for you tamale sitting in the balcony-- At The Movies!
This is such a lovely tribute to your Dad. Mine also loved all those old westerns like Bonanza, and often think about being a girl and watching them with him. And I had a Harley too, who my Dad was able to meet and he loved him too. I hope your memories fill you up today, even if it would be better to have your Dad there. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful tribute to your handsome dad! He was a true war hero. 🌟 I remember all of these, especially Lorne Green. Loved his voice and Bonanza. ❤️
ReplyDeleteO I love to hear Vera Lynn sing the White Cliffs of Dover. Your dad does indeed look like a gentleman. And the reflection just makes him look sparkly and lively as well.
ReplyDeleteHe was a very handsome man.
ReplyDeleteYour Dad was a handsome war hero, and what better tribute than to introduce us to some of his favorite songs. I knew the Vera Lynn and Lorne Greene songs and enjoyed hearing them I hadn't heard Ringo in years. It brings back memories of a good year for me.
ReplyDeleteYour dad was truly a hero.
ReplyDeleteI loved Lorne Greene, Bonanza and Ringo;) Great choice;)
Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
Great tribute to your dad.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, no matter how long ago it was. (Don't worry about catching up on my blog posts. They're not going anywhere :)
ReplyDeleteI love how you wrote "sung" in Lorne Greene's rendition of Ringo. A good "song."
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute! I'm sure even after all this time it's still not easy. Your dad was a handsome fellow. I loved the way men and women dressed so respectable in the WWII era.
ReplyDeleteI know the name Vera Lynn and Lorne Greene. I think I remember the song "Ringo". It's been years hearing it, too. Lorne had a nice voice. I loved Bonanza, too. I have a Christmas CD done by the cast that I cherish because it makes me think of my brother.
Sending you a hug, darlin'!
We didn't know that Lorne Greene effurr made a song. Granny loved Bonanza too😸😺Lovely tribute to your beloved dad💗Double Pawkisses for a Happy Day🐾😽💞
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