1939 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1939 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan Vienna New Year's Concert Inaugural Performance: The inaugural performance of the Vienna New Year's Concert took place on January 1, 1939. This concert has since become a celebrated annual tradition, featuring classical music and attracting global audiences. source: viennaconcerts.com
- 01 Mar Birth of composer Leo Brouwer: Leo Brouwer, a renowned Cuban composer and classical guitarist, was born on March 1, 1939, in Havana, Cuba. He is celebrated for his contributions to contemporary classical music and his innovative guitar compositions. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Mar Guy Lombardo Records 'Auld Lang Syne': Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians orchestra first record the iconic New Year's Eve song 'Auld Lang Syne', a rendition that would become a timeless musical tradition and cultural touchstone.
- 24 Mar Three Smart Girls Grow Up Film Release: The musical comedy film *Three Smart Girls Grow Up* is released, contributing to the entertainment landscape of the late 1930s.
- 20 May Kay Kyser's '3 Little Fishies' tops music charts: On May 20, 1939, Kay Kyser's song '3 Little Fishies' reached the top of the music charts. The song was a popular novelty tune during that era. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 May Shostakovich Academic Appointment: Renowned Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich is appointed Professor at the Leningrad Conservatory, further establishing his significant role in Soviet musical culture.
- 13 Jul Frank Sinatra made his recording debut: Frank Sinatra made his recording debut on July 13, 1939, with the song 'The Song Is You.' This marked the beginning of his illustrious career in music, leading to his status as one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century. source: biography.com
- 11 Aug Sergei Rachmaninoff's Final European Concert Performance: On August 11, 1939, Sergei Rachmaninoff performed at the Lucerne International Music Festival in Switzerland. This concert, featuring works by Haydn, Beethoven, Debussy, and Ravel, marked his final performance in Europe before World War II. source: rachmaninoffdiary.com
- 25 Aug The Wizard of Oz film release: On August 25, 1939, the iconic film 'The Wizard of Oz' premiered in Hollywood. Based on L. Frank Baum's novel, the film became a classic, known for its innovative use of Technicolor and memorable songs, influencing generations of filmmakers and audiences. source: britannica.com
- 14 Oct Broadcast Music Incorporated founded: Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) was founded in 1939 as a performance rights organization in the United States. It collects blanket license fees from businesses that use music and distributes royalties to songwriters, composers, and music publishers. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Oct Broadway Premiere of 'The Man Who Came to Dinner': The comedy play 'The Man Who Came to Dinner', written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, made its Broadway debut at the Music Box Theatre, offering a moment of cultural respite amidst the growing tensions of World War II.
- 18 Oct "Too Many Girls" Musical Premieres in New York: The musical "Too Many Girls" by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart premiered in New York City, showcasing the vibrant Broadway theater scene of the late 1930s.
- 20 Oct Tommy Dorsey Orchestra records 'All the Things You Are': On October 20, 1939, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra recorded the popular jazz standard 'All the Things You Are.' This recording contributed to the orchestra's reputation and the song's enduring legacy in American music. source: jazzstandards.com
- 11 Nov Kate Smith debuts "God Bless America": On November 11, 1939, American singer Kate Smith debuted "God Bless America" on her radio show, a song that would become a patriotic anthem in the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Dec Cole Porter's 'DuBarry Was a Lady' Broadway premiere: Cole Porter's musical 'DuBarry Was a Lady' premiered on Broadway at the 46th Street Theatre on December 6, 1939. The production starred Bert Lahr and Ethel Merman, featuring songs like 'Friendship' and 'Well, Did You Evah!'. The show ran for 408 performances, closing on December 12, 1940. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Dec Death of Ma Rainey, blues pioneer: Ma Rainey, known as the 'Mother of the Blues,' passed away on December 22, 1939. Her contributions to music and the blues genre have had a lasting impact on American music culture. source: britannica.com
What happened in 1939?
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