Today's playlist, the 27th installment, features Anne Shelton.
I bought it at my regular record store, Flash Disc Ranch, in Shimokitazawa.
This store is a record shop I've been frequenting since shortly after I started living in Setagaya. As long as the store is in business, their point card system is quite popular: if you collect 50 stamps, you get a 50% discount on any number of records under 15,000 yen, which is a fantastic deal.
WWII Forces' Sweetheart - Anne Shelton
Anne Shelton OBE (born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley, November 10, 1923 – July 31, 1994) is known as a popular British singer who brought courage and hope to soldiers during World War II. Through radio broadcasts and live performances at military bases, she moved many soldiers. In the 1950s and 60s, she achieved success on the UK Singles Chart, notably reaching the top with "Lay Down Your Arms" in 1956.
Early Life
Anne Shelton was born on November 10, 1923, in Dulwich, South London.
Singing Career
In May 1940, at the age of 16, she appeared on the BBC talent radio show "Monday Night at Eight," singing "Let the Curtain Come Down." After seeing this performance, dance band leader Bert Ambrose invited her to join his popular band, the Ambrose Orchestra. Her first solo record, "I Can't Love You Any More," was released in June 1940, followed by "Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread)."
During World War II, Shelton performed extensively at British military bases, and her radio program "Calling Malta" aired from 1942 to 1947. In 1944, Glenn Miller invited her to perform in France, but she declined due to prior commitments. Miller subsequently died in a plane crash during that tour. Shelton also co-starred with Bing Crosby on the "Variety Bandbox" radio show, where they sang "Easter Parade" together.
Success in the 1950s and 60s
In 1956, Shelton reached number one on the UK Singles Chart with "Lay Down Your Arms." In 1961, her cover of "Sailor" made it into the Top 10, and she also participated in the "A Song for Europe" contest that year. Her entry, "I Will Light a Candle," finished in fourth place, and she re-entered in 1963 with "My Continental Love," again finishing fourth.
Film and Television Appearances
In addition to her singing career, Shelton also appeared in several films, including "Miss London Ltd." (1943), "King Arthur Was a Gentleman," and "Bees in Paradise" (1943). Furthermore, she starred in "The Anne Shelton Show" from 1958 to 1959 and "Ask Anne" in 1961.
Later Life and Achievements
Shelton was awarded an OBE in 1990 for her services to the Not Forgotten Association. A blue plaque was installed at her residence by the London Borough of Southwark in 2007.
Personal Life
Shelton was married to naval officer David Reid from 1958 until his death in 1990. She passed away from a heart attack on July 31, 1994, and was buried in the New Camberwell Cemetery in London.
Anne Shelton's voice was a beacon of hope for soldiers during wartime, and her music continues to resonate with many people today.
At WAITER-U, we not only select camping gear but also music, books, and movies.
We also create playlists on Spotify, so if you like, please listen to them in your car on the way to your camping trip.
