In Competition No. 3267, you were invited to supply a song from the songbook of one of today’s corporate giants.
Songs of The IBM, published in the 1930s, inspired this challenge, and you can listen to original renditions of zingers such as the hymn-like anthem ‘Hail to The IBM’ and the more jaunty, show tune-y ‘March on With IBM’ on the IBM website and on YouTube.
Singing was encouraged by the company’s founder Thomas J. Watson Sr as a motivational tool and to inspire loyalty. Here’s a snippet from the rousing IBM Rally Song ‘Ever Onward’:
The name of T.J. Watson means a courage none can stem And we feel honored to be here to toast the IBM.
Of course, working culture has changed somewhat since the Great Depression and your offerings were rather less reverential.
A accomplished entry drew on influences that ranged from the Andrews sisters to Black Lace.
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