One of the most beloved stars of World War II

It will be Memorial Day on Monday. A day where we shall remember all of the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

But did you know that in an indirect way, World War II  is actually to thank for many of the old time radio shows that are in existence today?

It was during the Second World War that the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) a non-commercial network was set up by Roosevelt's government War Department to provide entertainment for the US military audiences overseas.

Many of these shows were not broadcast on commercial radio, such as Command Performance and Mail Call, which starred some of the 'A List' icons of the silver screen such as Charles Laughton, Red Skelton, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, to name but a few.

One of the most beloved stars of World War II, was Frances Langford. She sang her way into the heart of soldiers at war by becoming a huge part of the war effort. She traveled with Bob Hope and wrote a weekly “Purple Heart Diary” column for the newspaper in which she talked about her visits to military hospitals where she entertained wounded G.I.’s.

When Bob Hope began his military entertainment program broadcasting from training bases, he asked Langford to join him in his mission along with Jerry Colonna, guitarist, Tony Romano and others. They toured through Europe, the South Pacific and North Africa entertaining soldiers in some incredibly dangerous places.

After the war, Hope wrote in his memoir that Langford got the biggest laugh he’d ever heard when they were entertaining at a U.S.O. show in the South Pacific. Langford’s signature song was “I’m in the Mood for Love,” and when she sang the first line of the song a G.I. stood and shouted, “You’ve come to the right place, honey!”

Frances Langford did as much to promote the war effort as any entertainer during the World War II era. She was a wonderfully, warm and caring person, who was tireless in garnering support for the troops and ensuring that the wounded had supplies that boosted morale and made them comfortable. Her husky voice and enthusiastic energy on the radio made her a natural star and she received many honors during her lifetime. 

For her efforts during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, she received the Military Order of the Purple Heart, was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, had a promenade in downtown Lakeland, Florida (her home town) named for her and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Thanks to the wonderful media of old-time-radio Frances Langford will live on in memory for all to enjoy. There are over 100 shows on RUSC where she appears in a starring role, including The Bickersons, The Spike Jones Show, The Bob Hope Show, as well as her own show The Frances Langford Show.

Happy listening my friends,