R.I.P. Rosie the Riveter

Geraldine Hoff Doyle, one of the women whose photograph inspired the character of Rosie the Riveter, died yesterday at the age of 86.  In her honor, Boing Boing linked to this very interesting article about the history of women factory workers during World War II.

New Uses For Old Fords

Once again, Modern Mechanix reveals how people in the 1930's demonstrated their ingenuity with repurposing and recycling.  In those days, if something broke, or was no longer efficient for its original purpose, creative folks gave it new life rather than just throw it away and buy something.  Of course, the Great Depression served as the mother for much of this invention.  In this 1930 issue of Modern Mechanics, the then ubiquitous Ford Model T served as the impetus for a variety of innovative applications.

Sunrise Serenade: What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Today's Sunrise Serenade was certainly appropriate:  "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Kay Kyser and his Orchestra.  Click on the song title for a sample from emusic, or click here for the album page.

Playlist For December 29, 2010 - New Year's Special

The playlist for the December 29, 2010 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has just been added to the playlist filing cabinet.

The UK 1940's Radio Station

While cruising around the internet a few weeks ago, I came across The UK 1940's Radio Station, a web radio station based in Britain that plays news, music and radio drama from the 1920's to the 1950's.  The organization also presents sounds from the 1940's at live events around the UK during the summer months.  When I tuned in recently, I heard Vera Lynn singing "When They Sound The Last All Clear."  It is a great audio window into British and radio history.

Sunrise Serenade: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

This morning's Sunrise Serenade would probably not top the list of favorites among still stranded travelers on the East Coast:  "Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!" by Bob Crosby and his Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Live Music Tomorrow Night

Jayna Morgan & the Sazerac Sunrise Jazz Band return to Memphis tomorrow night, Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at the Hi Tone from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  $7 admission. 

Sunrise Serenade: Christmas Island

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" begin on December 25, and continue through January 5.  My unconscious will therefore be forgiven for continuing to provide holiday songs.  This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Christmas Island" by the Andrews Sisters.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

1939 Lincoln Zephyr V-12

Although I recognize the merit of certain Ford vehicles in history, I am not a big Ford enthusiast.  I have often said that, in my family, a "foreign car" meant something not built by GM.  That being said, I have always liked the Lincoln Zephyrs of the late 1930's.  Modern Mechanix posted this ad for a V-12 Zephyr from the April 1939 issue of National Geographic. 

Sunrise Serenade: Sleigh Ride

The holiday spirit continues with this morning's Sunrise Serenade:  "Sleigh Ride."  Click on the song title for a sample from emusic, or click here for the album page.