List of years in music (table)
In radio
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
In television
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
In film
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
+...

This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1939.

Specific locations

Specific genres

Events

Publications

Albums released

The twenty-five popular records listed below were extracted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890–1954,[4] record sales reported on the "Discography of American Historical Recordings" website, and other sources as specified. Numerical rankings are approximate, they are only used as a frame of reference.

Rank Artist Title Label Recorded Released Chart positions
1Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"In the Mood"[5]Bluebird 10416August 1, 1939September 15, 1939US Billboard 1939 #1, US #1 for 12 weeks, 30 total weeks, National Recording Registry 2004
2Glahe Musette Orchestra"Beer Barrel Polka"Victor V-710May 11, 1938April 1939US Billboard 1939 #2, US #1 for 4 weeks, 21 total weeks
3Orrin Tucker and His Orchestra Vocal chorus Bonnie Baker"Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh!"[6]Columbia 35228August 20, 1939September 29, 1939US Billboard 1939 #3, US #2 for 4 weeks, 14 total weeks, sold 1,500,000[7][8]
4Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"Moonlight Serenade"Bluebird B-10214April 4, 1939April 26, 1939US Billboard 1939 #4, US #3 for 1 week, 15 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1991, ASCAP song of 1939
5Judy Garland"Over the Rainbow"Decca 2672July 28, 1939August 1939US Billboard 1939 #5, US #5 for 1 week, 12 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1981, AFI 1, RIAA 1, Music Imprint 1 of 1930s, ASCAP song of 1938, National Recording Registry 2016
6Kate Smith"God Bless America"[9]Victor 26198March 21, 1939April 5, 1939US Billboard 1939 #6, US #5 for 1 week, 12 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1982, National Recording Registry 2002
7Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"Over the Rainbow"[10]Bluebird 10366July 12, 1939August 17, 1939US Billboard 1939 #7, US #1 for 7 weeks, 15 total weeks
8Larry Clinton and His Orchestra"Deep Purple"[11]Victor 26141December 23, 1938January 18, 1939US Billboard 1939 #8, US #1 for 9 weeks, 13 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 2000
9Frankie Masters and His Orchestra"Scatter Brain"[12]Vocalion 4915May 25, 1939August 1939US Billboard 1939 #9, US #1 for 8 weeks, 16 total weeks
10Benny Goodman and His Orchestra (Vocal Martha Tilton)"And the Angels Sing"[13]Victor 26170February 1, 1939March 1, 1939US Billboard 1939 #10, US #1 for 5 weeks, 14 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1987
11Mary Martin (Eddy Duchin Orchestra)""My Heart Belongs to Daddy"[14]Brunswick 8282December 2, 1938January 1939US Billboard 1939 #11, US #1 for 1 weeks, 16 total weeks
12The Ink Spots""If I Didn't Care"Decca 2286January 12, 1939February 9, 1939US Billboard 1939 #12, US #2 for 1 week, 9 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1987, National Recording Registry 2017, sold 19,000,000[7][15]
13Bing Crosby"What's New?"Decca 2671June 30, 1939September 1939US BB 1939 #13, US #2 for 2 weeks, 10 total weeks
14Shep Fields and His Rippling Rhythm Orchestra"South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)"[16]Bluebird 10376August 1, 1939August 14, 1939US Billboard 1939 #14, US #1 for 5 weeks, 18 total weeks
15Bob Crosby and His Orchestra"Day In, Day Out"[17]Decca 2703July 24, 1939August 1939US Billboard 1939 #15, US #1 for 1 week, 13 total weeks
16Cab Calloway and His Orchestra"(Hep-Hep) The Jumpin' Jive"[18]Vocalion 5005July 17, 1939August 1939US Billboard 1939 #16, US #2 for 4 weeks, 12 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 2017
17Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"Stairway to the Stars"[19]Bluebird 10276May 9, 1939May 22, 1939US Billboard 1939 #17, US #1 for 4 weeks, 13 total weeks
18Kay Kyser and His Orchestra"Three Little Fishies"[14]Brunswick 8358April 8, 1939May 1939US Billboard 1939 #18, US #1 for 2 weeks, 9 total weeks
19Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra"Penny Serenade"Victor 26150January 20, 1939February 1, 1939US BB 1939 #19, US #2 for 1 week, 9 total weeks
20Al Donahue and His Orchestra"Jeepers Creepers"[12]Vocalion 4513November 23, 1938December 1938US Billboard 1939 #20, US #1 for 5 weeks, 13 total weeks
21Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"The Man With The Mandolin"[20]Bluebird 10358July 12, 1939July 31, 1939US Billboard 1939 #12, US #1 for 3 weeks, 10 total weeks
22Glen Gray and Casa Loma Orchestra"Sunrise Serenade"[21]Decca 2321February 17, 1939March 1939US Billboard 1939 #13, US #1 for 2 weeks, 16 total weeks
23Woody Herman and His Orchestra"At the Woodchopper's Ball"Decca 2440April 12, 1939May 1939US BB 1939 #23, US #9 for 1 week, 6 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 2002
24The Andrews Sisters"Hold Tight, Hold Tight"Decca 2214November 21, 1938December 1938US BB 1939 #24, US #2 for 1 week, 11 total weeks
25Glen Gray and Casa Loma Orchestra"Heaven Can Wait"[22]Decca 2321February 17, 1939March 1, 1939US Billboard 1939 #25, US #1 for 2 weeks, 13 total weeks

Additional recordings of historical interest, and songs that crossed over from Hillbilly (Country) and Race (R&B):

Rank Artist Title Label Recorded Released Chart positions
26Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"Blue Orchids"[23]Bluebird 10372July 26, 1939August 14, 1939US Billboard 1939 #18, US #1 for 1 week, 12 total weeks
27The Ink Spots""My Prayer"Decca 2790September 18, 1939October 1939US Billboard 1939 #42, US #3 for 1 week, 12 total weeks
28Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra (Vocal Jack Leonard)"Our Love"[24]Victor 26202March 15, 1939April 5, 1939US Billboard 1939 #19, US #1 for 1 week, 11 total weeks
29Kay Kyser and His Orchestra"The Umbrella Man"[14]Brunswick 8225September 1, 1938November 1938US Billboard 1939 #20, US #1 for 1 weeks, 11 total weeks
30Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"Wishing (Will Make It So)"[25]Bluebird 10219April 10, 1939May 3, 1939US Billboard 1939 #30, US #1 for 4 weeks, 14 total weeks
31Artie Shaw and His Orchestra (Vocal Helen Forrest)"They Say"[26]Bluebird 10075December 19, 1938December 28, 1938US Billboard 1939 #16, US #1 for 2 weeks, 8 total weeks
35The Ink Spots"Address Unknown"Decca 2707August 17, 1939October 1939US Billboard 1939 #30, US #1 for 1 week, 9 total weeks
45Glenn Miller and his Orchestra"Moon Love"[27]Bluebird 10303May 25, 1939June 12, 1939US Billboard 1939 #9, US #1 for 4 weeks, 16 total weeks
189Walter Huston"September Song"Brunswick 8272November 14, 1938January 1939US Billboard 1939 #189, US #12 for 1 week, 5 total weeks
190Gene Autry"South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)"[18]Vocalion 5122September 11, 1939October 13, 1939US Billboard 1939 #190, US #12 for 1 week, 4 total weeks, US BBHB 1939 #8, US Hillbilly #1 for 2 weeks, 22 total weeks, 1,000,000 sales[28]
325Ted Weems And His Orchestra (vocal Perry Como)"I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now"Decca 2919October 5, 1939December 1939US Billboard 1939 #325, US #19 for 1 week, 1 total weeks

Race and blues hits

Rank Artist Title Label Recorded Released Chart positions
1The Ink Spots""If I Didn't Care"Decca 2286January 12, 1939February 9, 1939US Billboard 1939 #38, US #2 for 1 week, 9 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1987, National Recording Registry 2017
2Cab Calloway and His Orchestra"(Hep-Hep) The Jumpin' Jive"[18]Vocalion 5005July 17, 1939August 1939US Billboard 1939 #25, US #2 for 4 weeks, 12 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 2017
3The Ink Spots"Address Unknown"Decca 2707August 17, 1939October 1939US Billboard 1939 #30, US #1 for 1 week, 9 total weeks
4The Ink Spots""My Prayer"Decca 2790September 18, 1939October 1939US Billboard 1939 #42, US #3 for 1 week, 12 total weeks
5Fats Waller"Good for Nothin' but Love"[29]Bluebird 10129January 19, 1939February 18, 1939US Billboard 1939 #102, US #7 for 1 week, 6 total weeks
6Chick Webb Orchestra (vocal Ella Fitzgerald)"'F.D.R. Jones"Decca 2105October 6, 1938November 1938US Billboard 1939 #116, US #8 for 1 week, 6 total weeks
7Chick Webb Orchestra (vocal Ella Fitzgerald)"Undecided"[30]Decca 2323February 17, 1939March 1939US Billboard 1939 #120, US #8 for 1 week, 4 total weeks
8Ella Fitzgerald And Her Famous Orchestra"I Want the Waiter (With the Water)"[31]Decca 2628June 29, 1939September 1939US Billboard 1939 #138, US #9 for 1 week, 3 total weeks
9Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra"Wizzin' the Wiz"[32]Victor 26233April 5, 1939May 3, 1939US Billboard 1939 #153, US #10 for 1 week, 5 total weeks
10Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra"When the Saints Go Marching In"[33]Decca 2230May 13, 1938January 1939US Billboard 1939 #155, US #15 for 1 week, 3 total weeks
11The Mills Brothers"Sweet Adeline (You're the Flower of My Heart)"[34]Decca 2285January 24, 1939February 9, 1939US Billboard 1939 #160, US #10 for 1 week, 2 total weeks
12Count Basie and His Orchestra"Jumpin' At The Woodside"Decca 2212August 22, 1938December 1938US Billboard 1939 #174, US #11 for 1 week, 4 total weeks
13Fats Waller"Hold Tight"Bluebird 10116January 19, 1939February 18, 1939US Billboard 1939 #176, US #11 for 1 week, 4 total weeks
14Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra"West End Blues"Decca 2480February 1, 1939May 1939US Billboard 1939 #218, US #13 for 1 week, 1 total weeks
15Mildred Bailey"Blame it on My Last Affair"Vocalion 04632December 8, 1938February 1939US Billboard 1939 #219, US #13 for 1 week, 1 total weeks
16Billie Holiday"Strange Fruit"Commodore 526June 20, 1937February 9, 1939US Billboard 1939 #287, US #16 for 1 week, 2 total weeks, Grammy Hall of Fame 1978, National Recording Registry 2002
18Blind Boy Fuller"Big Leg Woman Gets My Pay"Vocalion 05030July 12, 1939November 1939
19Robert Johnson"Love in Vain Blues"Vocalion 04630June 20, 1937February 9, 1939
20Robert Johnson"Preachin' Blues (Up Jumped the Devil)"Vocalion 04630November 27, 1936February 9, 1939
21Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter)"The Gallis Pole"Musicraft 227June 14, 1939August 1939
22Lead Belly"The Bourgeois Blues"Musicraft 227April 1, 1939August 1939
23Lead Belly"The Boll Weevil"Musicraft 226April 1, 1939August 1939

Christmas hits

Rank Artist Title Label Recorded Released Chart positions
1Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians"Auld Lang Syne"[35]Decca 2478March 7, 1939December 1939

Classical music

Premieres

ComposerCompositionDateLocationPerformers
Bartók, BélaViolin Concerto No. 21939-03-23AmsterdamSzékely / Concertgebouw Orchestra – Mengelberg[36]
Bax, ArnoldSymphony No. 71939-06-09New York City (EXPO)New York Philharmonic – Boult[37]
Bliss, ArthurPiano Concerto1939-06-10New York City (EXPO)Solomon / New York Philharmonic – Boult[38]
Boughton, RutlandSymphony No. 3 (1937)1939-01-01London[unknown ensemble] – Pougnet[39]
Britten, BenjaminYoung Apollo1939-08-02TorontoBritten / Toronto Melodic Strings – Chuhaldin[40]
Enescu, GeorgeOrchestral Suite No. 3, "Villageoise" (1938)1939-02-02New York City Carnegie HallNew York Philharmonic-Symphony – Enescu[41]
Ginastera, AlbertoHarp Sonatina1939-06-26Buenos AiresSebastiani[42]
Harris, RoySymphony No. 31939-02-24BostonBoston Symphony – Koussevitzky[43]
Hovhaness, AlanExile (Symphony No. 1) (1936)1939-05-26LondonBBC Symphony – Heward[44]
Lutosławski, WitoldSymphonic Variations1939-06-17Cracow, PolandPolish Radio Symphony – Fitelberg[45]
Messiaen, OlivierChants de Terre et de Ciel1939-01-23ParisBunlet, Messiaen[46]
Prokofiev, SergeiAlexander Nevsky, cantata1939-05-17MoscowGagarina / Moscow Philharmonic – Prokofiev[47]
Prokofiev, SergeiZdravitsa, cantata1939-12-21MoscowUSSR Radio Symphony – Golovanov[48]
Rosenberg, HildingSymphony No. 31939-12-11StockholmSwedish Radio Symphony – Rosenberg[49]
Shostakovich, DmitriSymphony No. 61939-11-21LeningradLeningrad Philharmonic – Mravinsky[50]
Stravinsky, IgorLe roi des étoiles, cantata1939-04-19BrusselsBrussels Radio Symphony – André[51]
Vaughan Williams, RalphFive Variants of Dives and Lazarus1939-06-10New York City (EXPO)New York Philharmonic – Boult[52]
Walton, WilliamViolin Concerto1939-12-07ClevelandHeifetz / Cleveland Orchestra – Rodziński[53]
Weinberger, JaromírUnder the Spreading Chestnut Tree1939-10-12New York CityNew York Philharmonic – Barbirolli[54]
Xian XinghaiYellow River Cantata1939-04-13Yan'an, Vhina[unknown ensemble] – Wu Xiling[55][56]

Compositions

Opera

Film

Jazz

Musical theatre

Musical films

Poster for The Wizard of Oz

Births

Deaths

References

  1. ↑ "Harry James Pencilled In". Variety. January 4, 1939. p. 165. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Some New Highs". Variety. February 1939. p. 39. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  3. ↑ Wolfe, Charles; Lornell, Kip (1992). The Life and Legend of Ledbelly. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-306-80896-8.
  4. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890–1954. Record Research.
  5. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-038170. In the mood / Glenn Miller Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  6. ↑ "Columbia 78rpm numerical listing discography: 35200–35500". www.78discography.com. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
  7. 1 2 Murrells, Joseph (1978). The book of golden discs. Internet Archive. London : Barrie & Jenkins. ISBN 978-0-214-20512-5.
  8. ↑ 'Wee' Bonnie Baker Gailey, 73, Band Singer of 'Oh Johnny' Hit, by Seth Borenstein Sun-Sentinel, August 14, 1990
  9. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-035319. God bless America / Kate Smith – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  10. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-038262. Over the rainbow / Ray Eberle; Glenn Miller Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  11. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-030475. Deep purple / Larry Clinton Orchestra; Bea Wain – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  12. 1 2 "Vocalion (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 4500–4999". www.78discography.com. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  13. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-031875. And the angels sing / Benny Goodman Orchestra; Martha Tilton – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  14. 1 2 3 "BRUNSWICK 78rpm numerical listing discography: 8000 – end of series (8517)". www.78discography.com. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  15. ↑ "National Recording Registry Reaches 500". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  16. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-041153. South of the border (Down Mexico way) / Hal Derwin ; Shep Fields; Rippling Rhythm Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  17. ↑ "Decca matrix 66000. Day in, day out / Bob Crosby Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  18. 1 2 3 "Vocalion (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 5000–5499". www.78discography.com. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  19. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-036878. Stairway to the stars / Ray Eberle ; Glenn Miller Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  20. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-038264. The man with the mandolin / Glenn Miller Orchestra ; Marion Hutton – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  21. ↑ "Decca matrix 65035. Sunrise serenade-1 / Glen Gray Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  22. ↑ "Decca matrix 65037. Heaven can wait / Glen Gray Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  23. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-038139. Blue orchids / Ray Eberle ; Glenn Miller Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  24. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-034400. Our love / Jack Leonard ; Tommy Dorsey Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  25. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-035729. Wishing (Will make it so) / Ray Eberle ; Glenn Miller Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  26. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-030733. They say / Artie Shaw Orchestra ; Helen Forrest – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  27. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-037157. Moon love / Ray Eberle ; Glenn Miller Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  28. ↑ "TSHA | Home". www.tshaonline.org. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
  29. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-031533. Good for nothin' but love / Fats Waller and his Rhythm – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  30. ↑ "Decca matrix 65039. Undecided / Chick Webb Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  31. ↑ "Decca matrix 65905. I want the waiter (with the water) / Ella Fitzgerald – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  32. ↑ "Victor matrix BS-035706. Wizzin' the wizz / Lionel Hampton Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  33. ↑ "Decca matrix 63778. When the Saints go marchin' in / Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  34. ↑ "Decca matrix 64934. Sweet Adeline / Mills Brothers – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  35. ↑ "Decca matrix 65215. Auld Lang Syne / Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians – Discography of American Historical Recordings". adp.library.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
  36. ↑ The Concerto: A Listener's Guide
  37. ↑ "New York Philharmonic Archives". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-08-12.
  38. ↑ Music Sales Classical
  39. ↑ Hyperion Records
  40. ↑ "Benjamin Britten: Young Apollo" (work details) (in French and English). IRCAM.
  41. ↑ "New York Philharmonic: Viewer". Archived from the original on 2017-04-10. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  42. ↑ "Alberto Ginastera: Harp Sonatina" (work details) (in French and English). IRCAM.
  43. ↑ "Boston Symphony Orchestra". Archived from the original on 2017-01-18. Retrieved 2015-07-24.
  44. ↑ Dictionary of American Classical Composers
  45. ↑ "Witold Lutosławski: Symphonic Variations" (work details) (in French and English). IRCAM.
  46. ↑ "Olivier Messiaen: Chants de Terre et de Ciel" (work details) (in French and English). IRCAM.
  47. ↑ Orchestra Virtuale del Flaminio
  48. ↑ Edition Sikorski
  49. ↑ "Gehrmans Musikförlag". Archived from the original on 2015-07-25. Retrieved 2015-07-24.
  50. ↑ Shostakovich: A Life
  51. ↑ "Igor Stravinsky: Le roi des étoiles" (work details) (in French and English). IRCAM.
  52. ↑ Cornell Chamber Orchestra
  53. ↑ Naxos Records
  54. ↑ "New York Philharmonic Archives". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-08-12.
  55. ↑ Naxos Records
  56. ↑ "Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-07-24. Retrieved 2015-07-24.
  57. ↑ Times Film Festival review and background Archived 2006-04-20 at the Wayback Machine
  58. ↑ "The conductor and pianist Steuart Bedford has died". The Gramophone. 2021-02-16. Retrieved 2021-02-16.
  59. ↑ Tucker, Stephen R. (1998). "David Allan Coe." In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 102.
  60. ↑ The Illustrated Weekly of India. Published for the proprietors, Bennett, Coleman & Company, Limited, at the Times of India Press. October 1974. p. 83.
  61. ↑ Dennis Hevesi (11 April 2012). "Barney McKenna, Banjo Player in the Dubliners, Dies at 72". The New York Times.
  62. ↑ "Mrs. Frederick Conger, Actress, Will Be Buried in Bound Brook". The Daily Home News. April 17, 1939. p. 14.
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