Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious? These two.

 

 

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events? Yes. I'm tempted to dial back because current events can leave me feeling hopeless. But I'm haunted by something my friend John said: In Berlin before the War, they didn't know they were living in Berlin before the War. That reminds me that it's my duty as an adult and a citizen to know what's going on and to do what I can when I can.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now? Vanity Fair and the AARP magazine.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum? Yes. Some days we had music, other days we had art. 

 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team? Well, it's credited to Lennon-McCartney, but I'm pretty sure it was all Paul.

 

 

 

 

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind? The Cardinals! As a Cub fan, that's the only possible answer.

 

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared? I remember when Sears stores were preeminent, but now they're all but gone.

 

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables? I try. I'm not altogether successful, but I try.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now? I'm wearing a gold nightshirt. It was a gift to me from my dear friend Henry.