The Stars of Liberty
Lyricist
Colin Simpson
Composer
Willy Redstone
Publisher
Chappell & Company Ltd
Datec 1941
Object number00028524
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 247 x 165 mm, 0.006 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from The Australian Antique Collector
Description'The Stars of Liberty' was written and composed for the visit of the USA light naval squadron to Australia in March 1941. It was printed in Sydney and sold for 4 shillings. This musical score was composed to be played by a bandstand at dances and concerts. Seven US Navy vessels visited Sydney in March 1941, before America had officially entered World War II. The presence of US cruisers and destroyers in Sydney Harbour would have been a comforting sight for Australians at war.HistoryDuring World War II the United States' Light Naval Squadron was active in the Pacific Ocean, operating out of the base at Pearl Harbor. In March 1941, led by the USS CHICAGO the squadron visited Sydney and Brisbane, Australia after stopping at Pago Pago, in American Samoa. The presence of Americans in Australian waters was a pleasing sight during a time when many of the country's own naval vessels and servicemen were overseas. Their visit was just nine months prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, an event that marked America's entrance into the conflict. USS CHICAGO's task force was at sea when the attack occurred.
Sheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases with the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public events such as balls, recitals, concerts and theatre shows.SignificanceThis sheet music demonstrates the welcome extended to the US naval squadron when visiting Australia during World War II. It illustrates national alliances at the time and the presence of US naval forces in the Pacific, stationed at the Pearl Harbor base.
