You thought pianos dropping from the sky is a gag for cartoons? Then hear this story out.

During World War Two, all kinds of production involving metals, such as iron, copper, and brass, that was non-essential to the war effort were halted by the American government, because these metals were needed to make guns, tanks, and artillery. Many musical instrument makers were affected by the new regulations, which meant that either they had to manufacture something else the military could use, or wait for the war to end, which was as good as going out of business.

Soldiers gather around a field piano for a little close harmony at a demonstration at Fort Meade, Maryland, the US.