Dave Tanner
Music & So Much More!
Dave Tanner Programs List
American Ends In "I CAN"
America’s treasury of heart-stirring patriotic songs grows even more meaningful to audiences who hear Dave’s re-telling of the courageous, humorous, and even incredible stories behind their composing. From Yankee Doodle to God Bless America, with many stops in between, you’ll get to know the composers and their times, while discovering the common thread that unites these wonderful tunes. ©1996- Dave Tanner, Inc.
The British Are Coming - Again!
In February of 1964, Life Magazine wrote: “In 1776, England lost her American colonies. Last week, the Beatles took them back.” And the “British Invasion” had just begun! Join Dave Tanner for a musical trip back to the Swingin’ 60s, with songs and stories about - not just the “Fab 4” - but also the Rolling Stones, Dave Clark Five, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Herman’s Hermits and so much more! ©2025- Dave Tanner, Inc.
Where were YOU in 1962?
JFK, was in the White House monitoring the Cuban Missile Crisis. John Glenn, was orbiting the Earth. But if you were a Texas teen, you were dancing The Twist, Mashed Potato, Limbo, and Locomotion - while listening to Beach Boys and Jersey Boys. In short, it was a year filled with great memories and great music. Join Dave Tanner as he recalls the sights, sounds, and songs that will answer the question: "Where Were YOU In '62?" ©2022- Dave Tanner, Inc.
The 10 Greatest Broadway Love Songs – Ever!
In response to the popularity of “The 10 Greatest Movie Love Songs – Ever!”, Dave has created a follow-up tribute to the greatest love songs of Broadway. Included are If Ever I Would Leave You, Some Enchanted Evening, and your vote for the best of Broadway!
©2006- Dave Tanner, Inc.
That's What I Like About Texas!
This is Dave’s most requested program. Dressed as every proper Long Tall Texan should be, and singing Texas songs literally from A to Z, Dave charts the growth and development of our unique Texas perspective on the world. With tales of the Alamo, Apaches, and “yes“ Aggies (and that’s just the “A”s!), Dave reflects the pride both native and adoptive Texans feel in our Lone Star State. ©1995- Dave Tanner, Inc.
Songs Of The Greatest Generation
A concert of the tunes America sang during World War II (and ever since.) Some of these are Big Band favorites, like Chattanooga Choo Choo and I’ll Never Smile Again. Others, from Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B to The White Cliffs Of Dover and Lili Marlene, evoke specific memories of those years of sacrifice and ultimate triumph. Patriotic melodies, including God Bless America and This Is My Country ©1995- Dave Tanner, Inc.
Nashville: The Stories Behind The “Sound”
The very name Nashville means Country Music around the world. With songs, humor, and wardrobe straight from the Grand Ol’ Opry, Dave’s tour down Music Row introduces you the lives and songs of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and other Nashville legends.
©2001- Dave Tanner, Inc
Hollywood: The Stories Behind The Songs
“Hooray for Hollywood! That screwy, ballyhooey Hollywood…” Johnny Mercer’s anthem to the film capital says it all: Hollywood is screwy. You’ll discover exactly how odd Hollywood logic is in this delightful program, which includes Moon River, As Time Goes By, and Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and how all 3 of these classic movie songs were almost cut from their finished films. ©1994- Dave Tanner, Inc.
America’s Gospel Treasury: The Stories Behind The Songs
Slave ship captain John Newton composed Amazing Grace, after his prayer for deliverance from a storm miraculously changed his life. Gospel favorites, spirituals, and hymns have offered both inspiration and consolation to millions.
©2001- Dave Tanner, Inc.
Broadway’s Greatest Hits: The Stories Behind The Songs
Broadway! Home of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, dozens of immortal musicals and hundreds of hit songs. Dave takes you back to its Golden Age (1946-60) and the 3 giants who made those glorious years possible. You’ll sing along to Cohan, Berlin, and Gershwin, while hearing Dave’s choice for “The Golden Musical” the best that ever was (or will be.) ©1995- Dave Tanner, Inc.
Big Band Saturday Night!
A Celebration of the Swing Era’s Greatest Songs
The decade prior to WW II was a time of fabulous orchestras , outstanding composers, the finest lyricists ever, and singers whose talent and style made them legends (Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, et al.) Thrill again to Moonlight Serenade, Stardust, Night And Day, Sentimental Journey, and the stories of those who created “America’s Music.”
©2000- Dave Tanner, Inc.
The Top 10 Elvis Love Songs – Ever!
You know Elvis Presley’s greatest hits – from Love Me Tender, to Can’t Help Falling In Love, to The Wonder Of You. But wait ‘til you learn the stories behind these classic romantic songs! Program also includes It’s Now Or Never, Are You Lonesome Tonight, and your vote for the best Elvis love song – ever! ©2019- Dave Tanner, Inc.
Doo Wop
In the 1950’s, it seemed every street corner had a group of teens whose fluent “vocal-ese” replaced entire orchestras. With “oohs”, “aahs”, and the chords from Heart And Soul, they created Doo-Wop, the music of our lives! We loved songs like Silhouettes On The Shade, 16 Candles, In The Still Of The Night, and Only You! And we loved the groups as well – The Coasters, 4 Seasons, and Belmonts. Dave has chosen his Top 10 of the best Doo-Wop love songs. But as is his habit, he will be open for suggestions from each audience for their favorites as well. ©2019- Dave Tanner, Inc.