Dame Vera Lynn (2017-2020) has died at 103 years old, but longevity in a challenging world is only one of her accomplishments. She was still topping the charts in her nineties and past 100 with her exquisite voice.
Beloved in the United Kingdom for her lovely renditions of "We'll Meet Again," "The White Cliffs of Dover," and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," among others, she performed on radio and for the troops during World War II. Such was her popularity that in 2009 she was named the Briton who best exemplified the twentieth century.
That's quite a label. The sentiment, the patriotism, the pluck, and heartbreaking sweetness of the songs she sang and her impeccable renditions of them perhaps expressed humanity's indomitability in a dark time. May her voice and those lovely songs echo in our cultural memory for a long time to come.
Her clear voice and immaculate, thoughtful phrasing made her a legend.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, a sound so pure.
ReplyDeleteShe really did have a pure sound – I never thought of it that way before.
ReplyDeleteWhen she sings "We'll Meet Again" it nearly brings me to tears, every time.
Me, too.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom was a proud Monarchist and would play Lynn's records yearly, around our Remembrance Day, so in my mind I connect fond yet melancholy memories whenever I hear Lynn's songs (mostly when ever I watch Dr. Strangelove...). She was an inspiration for many, and well-deserving of every honour she received.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that. Fond yet melancholy; yes, I'm sure that expresses it for many people. It's good to know Vera Lynn was rewarded with such popularity and esteem.
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