Charlie & His Orchestra

The Profile

German swing/jazz propaganda band led by Lutz Templin with vocalist Karl “Charlie” Schwedler. They performed English-language parodies of American standards for Nazi broadcasts, notably Germany Calling, and recorded over 270 tracks during WWII.

Led by Lutz Templin; principal vocalist Karl Schwedler; used by Goebbels’ ministry on the Germany Calling program; produced 270+ recordings; active through the final months of WWII.

Review tracks the bizarre WWII tale of a German swing band led by Lutz Templin, built for Goebbels’ propaganda. They parodied American standards in English on Germany Calling, recording 270+ tracks. The piece underlines the absurdity and menace of the project while noting its reach on British airwaves. A disorienting listen, historically loaded.