In the spring of 1941, Hitler and Stalin were allies, and American Communists were working to prevent the US from joining in the war against Hitler of even aiding Britain, which was virtually on its own fighting the Axis. As part of this effort, the Almanac Singers, a Communist singing group, recorded an anti-war album entitled "Songs for John Doe." The title was inspired by the hit movie
Meet John Doe.
But when Hitler attacked the Soviet Union a few weeks later, the album was yanked off the market, and the Almanacs became born-again hawks and super-patriots. The following songs illustrate their change of heart.
The Strange Death of John Doe (1941)
Reuben James (1942)