PL: ‘The Fabulous Forties’ Hits from the 1940s
Take a musical journey back to the 1940s with “The Fabulous Forties,” a captivating collection of songs that defined a decade. This playlist features the smooth sounds of swing, the heart of big band jazz, and the early roots of rhythm and blues, showcasing legends like Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Glenn Miller, and Nat King Cole. From toe-tapping dance tunes to soulful ballads, these tracks reflect the resilience and creativity of a generation during a time of change. Perfect for anyone who cherishes the nostalgia of the 40s or those discovering the golden era of American music, “The Fabulous Forties” will have you dancing and reminiscing to the timeless classics that have stood the test of time.
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Playlist track information
“In the Mood” – Glenn Miller
Release Date: 1939 (became a huge hit in 1940)
Genre: Swing/Big Band
Notes: One of the most famous swing songs ever recorded.
“When You Wish Upon a Star” – Cliff Edwards (as Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio)
Release Date: 1940
Genre: Pop
Notes: Academy Award-winning song from the Disney movie Pinocchio.
“Frenesi” – Artie Shaw
Release Date: 1940
Genre: Big Band
Notes: A Latin-influenced swing hit that topped charts in the early ’40s.
“Chattanooga Choo Choo” – Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
Release Date: 1941
Genre: Big Band
Notes: One of the first records to receive a gold disc for selling over a million copies.
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” – The Andrews Sisters
Release Date: 1941
Genre: Pop/Swing
Notes: A classic wartime song that became a patriotic anthem during WWII.
“White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Release Date: 1942
Genre: Christmas/Pop
Notes: One of the best-selling singles of all time, especially popular during WWII.
“(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo” – Glenn Miller
Release Date: 1942
Genre: Big Band/Swing
Notes: Featured in the movie Orchestra Wives, it was a chart-topping hit.
“Paper Doll” – The Mills Brothers
Release Date: 1943
Genre: Pop/Vocal
Notes: A smooth, harmonious song that became a massive hit during the war years.
“Pistol Packin’ Mama” – Al Dexter
Release Date: 1943
Genre: Country/Western
Notes: A crossover country hit that also became popular in pop music circles.
“Swinging on a Star” – Bing Crosby
Release Date: 1944
Genre: Pop
Notes: Another hit from Crosby, this one won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“You Always Hurt the One You Love” – The Mills Brothers
Release Date: 1944
Genre: Vocal/Pop
Notes: A heartfelt ballad that remained a favorite in the post-war years.
“Sentimental Journey” – Doris Day with Les Brown and His Band of Renown
Release Date: 1945
Genre: Big Band/Pop
Notes: Doris Day’s breakout hit and an iconic song as WWII soldiers returned home.
“It’s Been a Long, Long Time” – Harry James and His Orchestra with Kitty Kallen
Release Date: 1945
Genre: Pop/Big Band
Notes: A nostalgic song that resonated deeply with soldiers and their loved ones after the war.
“Prisoner of Love” – Perry Como
Release Date: 1946
Genre: Pop
Notes: Perry Como’s first big hit, showcasing his smooth, easy-listening style.
“The Gypsy” – The Ink Spots
Release Date: 1946
Genre: Pop/Vocal Group
Notes: Topped the charts for 13 weeks and became a signature song for the group.
“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” – Tex Williams
Release Date: 1947
Genre: Western Swing
Notes: A humorous and light-hearted tune that became a big hit in post-war America.
“Near You” – Francis Craig
Release Date: 1947
Genre: Pop
Notes: Spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart and became one of the decade’s biggest hits.
“Nature Boy” – Nat King Cole
Release Date: 1948
Genre: Jazz/Pop
Notes: A mystical ballad that became one of Nat King Cole’s signature songs.
“Buttons and Bows” – Dinah Shore
Release Date: 1948
Genre: Pop
Notes: Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and was a major radio hit.
“Riders in the Sky (A Cowboy Legend)” – Vaughn Monroe
Release Date: 1949
Genre: Western
Notes: A haunting Western ballad that became a crossover hit.
“Some Enchanted Evening” – Perry Como
Release Date: 1949
Genre: Pop/Broadway
Notes: A hit from the musical South Pacific, this song was a favourite on the radio and charts.
Disclaimer: The music featured in this playlist is curated for your easy access and listening pleasure. I do not own the rights to any of the music contained within these playlists. All content is owned by the respective artists and creators.
We strive to make our playlists available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. However, due to licensing differences, some playlists may vary slightly between platforms, and in some cases, may not be available on certain platforms.
All playlists on this site are thoughtfully curated, and I encourage you to be part of the process! Feel free to share your suggestions, offer changes, or recommend new tracks by commenting below. Let’s build a community of great music together!
