Photo by Pauli Nie on Unsplash
Discover the surprising ways music shaped World War II and other conflicts – from boosting morale and bringing soldiers closer to home to transforming instrument factories for the war effort. Music historian Dan Del Fiorentino explores music’s remarkable power in wartime and shares some of the most impactful stories he’s heard first-hand through NAMM’s Oral History Program.
Guest
Today I’m joined by Dan Del Fiorentino. Dan is the Music Historian for NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). He heads the industry’s Oral History Program, a collection of almost 6,000 video interviews, and he’s a fellow podcaster – he co-hosts The Music History Project podcast. Dan has a lifelong passion for music and history.
Notes
We discuss:
- The surprising role of music in wartime, from boosting morale and supporting the war effort to providing comfort during some of humanity’s most challenging moments.
- How musical instrument manufacturers adapted during World War II.
- The story behind Steinway’s Victory Vertical (G.I.) pianos – sturdy, olive-drab instruments designed to bring music, familiar songs, and memories of home to troops overseas.
- How USO performances by entertainers such as Bob Hope, Frances Langford, Les Brown, and Glenn Miller’s Army Air Force Band brought live music to service members.
- How Victory Discs (V-discs) brought recordings and personal messages from musicians to troops – and how the project brought artists together in unexpected ways.
- The emotional power of wartime songs, including “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” which helped soldiers feel connected to home and loved ones.
- How music has served as a source of patriotism, identity, and hope across conflicts, from “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” during the Civil War to songs associated with the Vietnam War.
- How music therapy, memory, and familiar songs can help people process grief and reconnect with meaningful moments – even when words are difficult to find.
Connect/Other Resources
- Dan co-hosts (with Alex Rossner and Suzanne Del Fiorentino) The Music History Project podcast: Produced by NAMM, the show covers the evolution of instruments and the music industry, featuring oral histories from industry figures. Content is based on NAMM’s Oral History Program which now contains almost 6,000 interviews, including manufacturers, musicians, retailers, educators, and others.
- Learn more about NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
- Learn more about Dan Del Fiorentino
- Dan mentions the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Micro 61: Memorial Day and the Remarkable Story of the Pianos That Went to War
- Ep. 129: How socially conscious musicians are bridging divides and healing the wounds of war; with Musicians Without Borders’ Laura Hassler
- Ep. 123: Transcending divisions and conflict through song, with The Jerusalem Youth Chorus’ Micah Hendler
- Micro 24: Silent Night, Shared Light – The Christmas Truce and Music’s Power to Unite
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
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Learn more at Brain.fm or in Episode 203. And try Brain.fm for yourself with a FREE 30-day trial by going to brain.fm/enhance (no credit card required). Links are in the show notes.
Coda
Dan encourages listeners to listen to the music your children or grandchildren love, ask them why it matters to them, and use music as a way to connect across generations.
Closing Words
I hope this conversation gives you fresh perspective as we approach Veterans Day and honor all who have served in the military on November 11.
Shortly after recording this conversation with Dan, I was at the Steinway factory in NYC (for my job with Schmitt Music), and they were displaying a Victory Vertical!
If you know of someone who would enjoy this episode, please share it with them! It’s one of the best ways to help us reach new listeners and spread the transforming power of music in everyday life.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my occasional e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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