The world of aviation is often talked about as one of romance, so it’s no surprise that it has been the subject of many different types of art over the years. One such medium is music. Several artists have helped write songs that reference iconic aircraft in history books.
supermarine spitfire
One of the most iconic aircraft of World War II was the famous Spitfire. Supermarine has become synonymous with the Battle of Britain, with over 20,000 single-seat fighters he built between 1938 and 1948. Few examples remain airworthy today, but they always catch the eye wherever they go.
In 2013, British alternative rock group Public Service Broadcasting released their debut album. inform, educate, entertainAs per the band’s website, the production made extensive use of archival audio.Teaching the lessons of the past through the music of the futurecovers a variety of 20th century events and themes.
2nd track on the album Spitfirepays tribute to the legendary Supermarine fighter by layering quotes from the 1942 film the first few with a strong guitar-driven instrumental track. It was certainly well received by New Yorkers, with the publication describing it as a “highlight,”A clear celebration of British courage and ingenuity’ You can hear it for yourself in the video above.
Aerospatial/BAC Concorde
Due to its role in World War II, the Spitfire played a key role in shaping Britain’s national identity in the 20th century. In the late 20th century, the nation, along with France, had another aircraft that roared overhead and inspired pride: the supersonic Concorde airliner. The collaboration between Aérospatiale and BAC has resulted in a Mach 2 passenger flight.
Despite initial interest from airlines around the world, only 14 Concordes (7 each) were built for Air France and British Airways. After first flying in 1969 and entering service in 1976, the Concorde was retired from service in his 2003. But his one of the ways Concorde stays alive is with the song of the same name from US jazz singer Gregory Porter’s 2020 album. all rise.
Although Porter is not as explicit in his reference to aircraft as in Public Service Broadcasting, Spitfire, avgeeks who know a thing or two about Concorde can find them easily. According to Genius, the song’s lyrics contain references to the performance of delta-wing jets.60,000 feet above” When “twice the speed of soundAll in all, a fitting musical triumph for an iconic aircraft.
Photo: British Airways
boeing 747
Along with the Concorde, one of the most famous aircraft of the 20th century was the Boeing 747, which became the face of long-distance travel after entering service in 1970. Ten years later in 1980, British heavy metal band Saxon released his second album. steel wheelsfeaturing a track called 747 (Stranger in the Night).
The song explores what it was like for an aircraft flying to New York JFK when the airport was out of power due to the famous Northeast blackout in 1965. Of course, the 747 wasn’t in service at this stage, but the circumstances posed for the aircraft were certainly real enough. According to Song Meanings, one of his SAS flights overshot the airport in the dark, but made it in time.
Source: Genius, Public Service Broadcasting, Song Meaning, The New Yorker
