Comments on: “There’s a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere”—song, historical notes, and reflection by my father, a WWII veteran

By: “There’s a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere” by Paul Roberts & Shelby Darnell | Riehl Life: Village Wisdom for the 21st Century

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:08:14 +0000

[...] a reprise of my father’s historical notes, reflections, and the lyrics of “There’s a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere” (1942). My father is a decorated veteran from World War [...]

By: Ken DeKing

Ken DeKing — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:58:57 +0000

I live in florida with my wife Velma, in a seniors only community.
My wife planned a celebration on March 14, 2010 to honor all the veterans in our community and has contacted every one. We expect about 167 veterans to attent with their spouses and mates, 27 of them are WWII vets.
I suggested our choir sing "There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere", and everyone is excited about hearing it again.
Ken DeKing

By: georgetta

georgetta — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:26:46 +0000

i was glad to find what my mom wasasking for...we`d love to know how many artists sang this song and their names ...much appreciated.....

By: gene reed

gene reed — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:40:11 +0000

Shea Johnson,

Could you please tell me when the recording of "There's a star
spangled banner waving somewhere" by Elton Britt was released.

I know it was recorded in February 1942. but I am trying to ascertain when it
first began to get attention in the hillbilly markets.

I know that it was much later before it made the pop charts.

By: Raymond Terrian

Raymond Terrian — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:53:48 +0000

Shea Johnson,

I was singing in an American Legion Post about 3 months ago and after doing my closing song, (the flag by Johnny Cash) an old veteran approch me and ask if I could do one more song. The song he asked for was, Theres a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere. I had to tell him that I didn't know the song but that I would research it and if I could find it I would sing it the next time I was there. I have done the research and was able to order the CD by Elton Britt that has the song on it. I will be singing at that American Legion Post near the end of next month and I hope he is there. I have the lyics and tab for the song and will sing it to the best of my abbility. But I find it hard to do without tearing up while singing it by myself, surounded by Veterans will be harder. If the CD arrives in time I will give it to that speical Veteran that asked me to sing the song. I love it and can't get it out of my head. We, as Americans, owe so much to those Veterans. And I want to thank you for your post on this website.
70 years old and still learning.

By: James Molloy

James Molloy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:33:15 +0000

Dear Shea,
could you please tell me what year, She Taught Me How To
Yodel was composed. I read that Bill Haley recorded it in 1947.............
God Bless you and your
late father,
Sincerely,
James Molloy
ps Did your father have any Irish connections?

By: Lloyd Holder

Lloyd Holder — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:17:17 +0000

I do some singing myself. I have heard this song but have never sang it. I would love to have met Paul before he passed. Sounds like he was my kind of guy. Thanks for the blog...........

By: shea johnson

shea johnson — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:49:58 +0000

My father, Paul Roberts, passed away in December of 2007, at the age of 91. He was the true and only author of the song, "There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere." He was in his early 20s when he penned the song, and WW11 was raging. When he went to New York seeking a publisher, Bob Miller of Bob Miller Publishing Co. immediately spotted a hit record and agreed to publish it for 50% of the song. Bob Miller's pseudonym, Shelby Darnell, was then added as co-author. The song was recorded by Elton Britt and was an instant success. It was played on every major radio station and Billboard magazine listed it as #1 for many months. The 78 speed records and sheet music were sold out as soon as they'd hit the music stores. At that time, the materials necessary to produce records were rationed, due to the war. Shellac was one of the main materials. Young men flocked to the Military recruiting offices to sign up, as the song triggered a renewed feeling of patriotism and love of country . My Dad himself enlisted in the Army at that time, but was madically discharged before being shipped overseas. The song was played at every major event at the time and was even performed on Broadway, a first for any Country song. It soon sold over 1,000,000 copies and was the first ever Country song to earn a gold record. It has since been recorded by many other Country and Pop artists and is still played all over the world. Paul Roberts was a talented songwriter and several of his other songs became well known. One in particular was "She Taught Me To Yodel" which became a hit for Rosalie Allen. He left many songs behind, some never published. He is greatly missed by all who knew him.