Golden decades of dance bands

5:16pm Thursday 6th December 2007

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Some of the best-known vocalists of the 20s, 30s and 40s entertained Spring Park Social Club on Tuesday November 27 at St Mark's Hall, Braemar Gardens, West Wickham.

Sam Costa, Evelyn Dall, Denny Dennis and Bing Crosby were but a few of the names from the period to feature in And the Bands Played On, presented by Don Dray.

Mr Dray showed the role popular music played in influencing and shaping the social history of the time, illustrating this with passages from songs by these and other performers.

Dance band music in the UK took off in the early 20s, with the New Orleans jazz having a huge impact on the on the rather more sedate domestic scene.

Gramophone and wireless technology widened the audience for singers and bands, and performances became a regular feature at London restaurants and night-clubs.

The presentation moved through the energetic and stylish dance band culture of the 20s and 30s and into the years of WWII, when popular music took on a new significance.

The work of singers such as Anne Shelton, Vera Lynn and Frank Sinatra came to define that period, with the simple optimism of the music perfectly in tune with the sentiments of the time.

Dance venues were closed down around the time the War started yet were soon reopened, largely in recognition of their value in boosting morale.

Although the scene declined after the War, the well-produced show was a reminder that for three golden decades popular music was dominated by the dance band performers.

Mr Dray has been giving similar presentations for around six years to local historical societies, retirement groups and various other associations, and may be contacted on 01892 861 112.

For further information about Spring Park Social Club, please contact Peggy Spencer on 020 8777 7871