Music: Vera Lynn

There are few artists more respected in British musical history and culture than Vera Lynn, who was first admitted to Order of the British Empire in the 1960s and later given the honor of “Dame Commander” in 1975. Lynn is most famous for two songs, one of which is featured here: “The White Cliffs of Dover“.

This particular song spoke to a nation wracked by war and fearful that the “London Blitz” would put them under German rule. The nation looked for hope, and a song like “White Cliffs of Dover” underscored that hope, noting that one day “Jimmy will go to sleep / In his own little room again”.