The Vocalists

When dance bands came into prominence in the 1920s and 1930s the vocalists were just a small part of the main attraction of the band. They would sit on a chair to one side until they were called upon to sing. Then they would walk up to the microphone in front of the band, sing their song and then unobtrousively go back to their chair.

Vocalists soon developed style and distinctive phrasing which brought them into more prominence within the band and in the process became personalities in their own right.

Increased exposure on radio, recordings and movies all contributed to making vocalists a very prominent part of the band. Their names became known and in many cases created hysteria in the audience when they performed. All this of course had an immense influence on the commercial success of the band, and top vocalists became a prized possession.

In WW2 it was quickly realised that the great popularity of vocalists could be harnessed to provide patriotic musical numbers to the general population, but especially to the armed forces. Female singers excelled in the sentimental numbers that reminded Army Navy and Air Force people that home and family were depending on them to get the job done and would be waiting for them when they returned.

As time went by singers Inevitably became the main attraction and bands were formed only to back up the vocalists. The transformation was complete.

London Ontario was fortunate to have so many talented singers over the years. Sadly recordings of many of them have not survived., but use these pages to read their stories and remind yourself of those golden years.