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Product Description
The remarkable autobiography of the last great wartime icon.
Born Vera Welch on 20 March, 1917 in the East End of London, Dame Vera Lynn’s career was set from an early age - along with her father, who also did a ‘turn’, she sang in Working Men’s Clubs from just seven years old. She had a successful radio career with Joe Loss and Charlie Kunz in the 1920s and ‘30s, but it was with World War II that she became the iconic figure that captured the imagination of the national public.
Her spirit and verve, along with her ability to connect with the men fighting for their country and those left behind praying for their loved ones, made her the ‘Forces’ sweetheart’. Performing the songs that she will always be associated with, such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Yours’, Vera toured Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and bring them a sense of ‘back home’.
Her career after the war flourished, with hits in the US and the UK, but Vera was never able to leave behind her wartime role and was deeply affected by what she had seen. Still heavily involved with veteran and other charities, this is Dame Vera’s vivid story of her life and her war - from bombs and rations to dance halls and the searing heat of her appearances abroad. Epitomising British fortitude and hope, Dame Vera gives a vivid portrait of Britain at war, and a unique story of one woman who came to symbolize a nation.
About the Author
Dame Vera Lynn is one of our most revered recording artists. Dubbed 'The Forces' Sweetheart' because of her tireless work entertaining the troops during the Second World War, she has come to symbolise many of the values the country fought to maintain in that conflict. Her recordings of songs such as 'We'll Meet Again' and 'The White Cliffs of Dover' have become icons of the war era and of Britain's doughty resistance of the Nazi threat. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1975.
Now in her nineties, Dame Vera is still active in charity work.
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There is no salacious gossip, no scandalous revelations (not that I can imagine there would be in Dame Vera's life) and no pretentiousness. The great lady of British song relates her extraordinary story with great sincerity, apparent honesty, and considerable warmth. There is quiet pride in her life and achievements, with few real regrets, and a bundle of marvellous memories. Dame Vera's story takes us through the changing popular music scene in Britain in the 20th Century, the war years and her difficult tour of the Far East, the busy decades following, and her gradual "retirement".
Although she has lived a remarkable life, Dame Vera comes across as a very down-to-earth lady whose only real ambition was to sing with the biggest band in the land. She achieved that in her years with the legendary Ambrose Orchestra. Becoming the Forces Sweetheart was never planned, it just happened. A national institution she may be, but you come away from this book realising that she would be just as happy out gardening or spending time with close family. Nevertheless Dame Vera enjoyed her career and never tired of being asked to sing the songs we all associate with her. Her favourite song was not what I had expected...but you will have to read to discover which one it was!
This is a highly readable autobiography which kept me hooked for days. Some books I really struggle to get through - this wasn't one of them!
The only thing I think would make the CD even better would be samples of her songs interspersed and offered at the appropriate moment - especially for those of us who are younger and don't remember the music.
Marvelous book especially for people who are looking for nostalgia. Well worth reading.
Bought this for my elderly friend, she will love it!!
Wonderful. B Knowles.
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