I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music. ― Billy Joel 

The Fifth Dimension

Many articles have been written about the music of the Vietnam War. Like most other GI’s in Vietnam I listened to Radio Saigon, which pumped out music 24/7 in an effort to keep the troops happy. Rock & Roll, Country & Western, Soul, Funk and Folk were all popular during the time I was there, and from the radio station or stereos on the larger bases, one could here any or all of that during the course of the day.

As the war moved along, the mood of America became edgier, and so did its music. The surfer rock, etc. from earlier war years gave way to acid rock (psychedelic) or hard rock. Soul, funk and even country music hardened as civil rights battles and war polarized the nation.

Gracie Slick

When I served in 1970, the peace anthems of the late sixties were very popular along with hard rock. While out on convoy duty, we would often see Grunts (*Note 1) trudging along the road, taking a breather, listening to small portable radios in their uniform pockets. I was happy they had that to enjoy. Their lives were extremely difficult and any pleasure they got out of life; they earned tenfold.

USO shows provided entertainment for homesick American troops

The larger bases in Vietnam also enjoyed USO shows, and I was able to see several of them during my time there. American performers were rare, but Thai, Philippine, and Korean musical groups often performed for American GI’s during the war. Some were pretty darn good, some were a bit comical. (Ploud Melly) 😛  But we appreciated them all.

Vietnamese Classical

I have always enjoyed music and played two instruments in my youth, though admittedly not very well. However I’ve always appreciated music of all kinds. Each genre of music offers enjoyment for its listeners. In Vietnam I also found enjoyment listening to traditional Vietnamese music, which I heard from Vietnamese workers on the air base, and while traveling through villages out on the road. I found classical Vietnamese music to be beautiful, and a bit hypnotic, though also a bit eerie with all the wartime chaos going on. I didn’t know the names of the musical pieces or instruments, and could not understand the lyrics, but enjoyed it very much nonetheless.

I still enjoy music of all kinds and though hearing impaired I have new devices which allow me to listen to music again. I attend musical events whenever I can and typically end my day listening to many of my old favorites on YouTube. Betting many of my Veteran brothers and sisters do the same. 😊

Some of my listening favorites:

• Pink Floyd
• Earth Wind & Fire
• Willie Nelson
• Danh Ca KHÁNH LY Hát Nhạc Trịnh – Cát Bụi, Đại Bác Ru Đêm | Những Tình Khúc Trịnh Công Sơn Hay Nhất

*  Santana
• The Beatles
• Smokey Robinson
• Heart
• Joni Mitchell
• American Outlaws
• Marvin Gaye

* Led Zeppelin
• Tình Ca Người Mất Trí (Sáng Tác: Trịnh Công Sơn) – KHÁNH     LY
• Simon & Garfunkel
• Harve Presnell
• America

* CCR

* And my brother Nick Campolo who plays in a few different bands

Brother Nick at the fiddle

Please share your favorite music, from any era.

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*Note 1: Grunt = Army or Marine fighter in direct combat on a day to day basis (God bless the grunts!)

Thank you to Trieu Hai Hoang for providing information on Vietnamese classical music for this article.

You are welcome to share this article in its entirety citing Joe as the author. Copyright protected, all rights reserved © Joe Campolo Jr