Seems like I'm always working on a book proposal and every time I say it's ready to go, it's not. I find more great stories to add to the mix. The same is happening with my latest proposal, another non-fiction history book, GI Jive: World War II and the Music That Helped Win the War.
I keep coming up with more and more wonderful songs from the era to include in the book that will tie together the history of World War II, life on the home front and battlefield with interviews and oral histories from those who lived through it, and the music that helped keep the world motivated to stop enemy aggression and conquest.
I was flipping around the TV the other night and came across a movie I haven't seen for a while - Hollywood Canteen with the Andrews Sisters, Betty Davis, Joan Leslie, and more and this song came on. It is the story of the "canteen" where soldiers, sailors, and airmen could go to dance, eat, and have a good time. There were many such canteens across the country, but this one, put together by Betty Davis, had to have been the best. All of the big Hollywood stars would volunteer to work and perform in the canteen.
I completely forgot about this great song by the Golden Gate Quartet, The General Jumped at Dawn.
As I said, the book will focus on the music that helped buoy the spirits of those at home and on the front lines during World War II. The title came from one of my favorite songs by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. Ok, I like ALL Louis Jordan songs but this one sticks in my head for days after I hear it. The G.I. Jive. Enjoy!
There will be more updates on the status of the proposal coming soon.
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