Vera Lynn - Some Sunny Day

[MBrennan]

I know the book came out 2 years ago but I picked it up for 60p in a charity shop today. Hopefully will be a good read

Mark

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Some-Sunny-Dame-Vera-Lynn/dp/000731891X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336836285&sr=1-1

[MBrennan]

Just to say for anyone that hasn't read it, this is a good book. I am only about 1/2 way but there are so many references to things mentioned on here (ie Gardiners Corner) and other things about East Ham & the East End in general. Just things like her mentioning travelling to work by bus up the East India Dock Road 

I have also been looking at old interviews etc on Youtube. I thought it was funny that when she was on TV in the 70s, she was quite 'well spoken' but in more recent interviews, her east-end accent seems to have come back  - not all the time but it is more obvious.

Another eye opener was watching some music videos. Like most people, I was aware of her war songs and thought that is what she was known for more than anything. When I heard clearer recordings made in the 1950s/1960s. I realised what an amazing singer she really is. I haven't heard too many but was most impressed with Lili Marlene and Rose of England 


Mark

[Bert]

I may have made this comment elsewhere on this website but whenever I hear Vera's name mentioned the same memory of deep praise for her is rekindled.

When I was serving in the Far East during WW2 Vera Lynn was absolutely loved by the Forces. Usually, when entertainment stars visited they were hosted by and fed with the officers in the Officers'Mess. Not so Vera. She always insisted on feeding and sitting with "the men" in their cookhouse or whatever. She was certainly the most popular of the ENSA visitors.

Bert.

[MBrennan]

This was the interview I mentioned where she seems more 'East End' than in earlier interviews. Look how choked he is when she sings at the end  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCsIOl4SuG4

Mark