Posted on 06/06/2014 1:54:37 PM PDT by nickcarraway
BRITISH singer/songwriter Dame Vera Lynn is on course to make the top 20 at the age of 97, it's been revealed.
The Forces' Sweetheart released 'Vera Lynn: National Treasure - The Ultimate Collection' at the beginning of this week, and it's already flying off the shelves.
If the strong sales continue throughout the week, Dame Vera could even make the top ten and will extend her lead as the oldest living artist to figure so high up in the album chart.
Her last major chart feat was five years ago when she achieved a number one with an earlier best-of release.
Dame Vera's latest record comes as preparations are taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings this Friday.
The mother-of-one will also have a role in a major commemorative concert at the Royal Albert Hall on the evening of the anniversary when Katherine Jenkins duets with a recording of her singing the popular wartime hit 'We'll Meet Again'.
The track featuring both their voices also features on the new album, along with a number of previously unreleased recordings of Dame Vera - who made her professional debut at the age of seven - which were unearthed by her daughter Virginia.
in an interview published last week she expressed surprise that her wartime role, buoying the nation's spirit through song, was still so strongly recognised.
"I never thought the Forces' Sweetheart tag would stay with me, but it has, hasn't it?" she said.
"I thought it would last for the war period, then I'd just be another singer. Of course I've never minded that everybody always connects me with that time. It was so important."
The Official Charts Company will announce the midweek placings tomorrow, with the actual chart issued on Sunday.
Thanks. We both posted a You Tube link at about the same time — to the same version of the song, but with different graphics.
Vera Lynn’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” was played at our mother’s funeral. Dad, who was a WWII vet, had died some years before, and it was a favorite of theirs.
Some musician friends of mine did a D-Day Concert at our local library last night. Vera Lynn was very much highlighted there and a soloist sang, “We’ll Meet Again.” The popular music from that era is very beautiful and touching.
Lasted longer than Pink Floyd, that’s for sure...
We'll Meet Again--Vera Lynn (1940)
Calling Me Home (1936)
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