NWSS Tribute to Joe Loss with Dame Vera Lynn
Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Thursday, 26 November 2009
North West Surrey Synagogue members, friends and family were treated to a superb evening of music and entertainment to celebrate the centenary of Britain’s most famous bandleader, Joe Loss LVO., OBE. The concert was a sell out with over 300 attendees gathering at Cleves School in Weybridge for a tribute to the star, lead by Todd Miller with the Joe Loss Orchestra and Singing Stars. Dame Vera Lynn OBE., LL.D., M.MUS and her family were honoured guests.
Miller lead a convivial tribute to his mentor and the audience jived in their seats as they enjoyed nostalgic hits spanning the 30s to the 80s. Through music, stories, and slides, Miller successfully evoked the elegance of the dance band era and the energy of the charismatic Joe Loss. Well-known songs of Vera Lynn were also featured, and the evening culminated in a moving rendition of her signature tune, “We’ll Meet Again.” Dame Vera was a life long friend of Loss and made her first broadcast with his orchestra in 1938.
The evening was organised by Jennifer Loss Jankel, daughter of Joe Loss, and an active member of the NWSS community, together with a team of close friends. The concert served as a platform to pay tribute to her father and raise funds for the synagogue and the Joe Loss Lectureship in Jewish Music at the University of London. Jennifer enthused, “the evening was like reliving my childhood in 2 hours”. Organising this event was “an opportunity to remember my mother and father and honor my Dad’s Jewish roots and his passion for music.”
Todd Miller joined the Joe Loss Orchestra as a vocalist in 1972 and worked under the guidance and friendship of Loss for 19 years before becoming the group’s natural successor. The orchestra carries on to this day under his direction and in 2010 will celebrate it’s 80th anniversary as Britain’s longest running live entertainment unit of all time. For further information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Fanatasia Music website.
Pictured above are Jennifer Loss Jankel (left) and Dame Vera Lynn (right).
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