&#; -Steven Cerra, copyright protected; all rights reserved.
&#;Popular music can evoke a sense of time and place as powerfully as a home movie or an old newspaper. It is the soundtrack to our lives and echoes our emotions. Perhaps no music evokes time and place more precisely than Glenn Miller's. Experts will argue that Miller recorded for more than fifteen years as a jazz musician, arranger and leader, formed two orchestras and led service bands. To most of us, though, Glenn Miller is tied to those few years when the big bands ruled and the world went to war. He invented a sound that combined the excitement of jazz with the lushness of the big orchestras, and bore a trademark musical palette that will forever be known simply as the Glenn Miller Sound.&#;
- Colin Escott
The Glenn Miller Years III
August
Jazzletter
Gene Lees
&#;Glenn had already recorded with pick-up groups led by Tommy Dorsey and his brother Jimmy, which contained the best of New York City's jazz musicians. They backed Mildred Bailey, using Miller arrangements, and early in made some instrumental records. Then they talked about forming a permanent band and taking it on the road, under their
11 Facts About Glenn Miller: The Musician Who Disappeared
Glenn Miller is perhaps best known for his mysterious disappearance during World War II. However, there was much more to the legendary musician. Born of humble beginnings, he became a musical sensation and pioneer. Leaving his success and family behind, Miller served his country during the war without hesitation. It turned out he left his life in America behind permanently when he vanished. This truly fascinating man left a legacy that is often overlooked among the likes of Elvis and other legends of the era but that made a true impact on the future of music.
1. Glenn Was Not Actually Miller’s First Name
Alton Glenn Miller was born in in Clarinda, Iowa. He was the second of four children born to Mattie and Lewis Elmer Miller. Young Alton always despised his first name and, from a young age, preferred to be addressed by his middle name, “Glenn.” Glenn would be the name he was known by to the world, as he not only used it for himself but also for his most acclaimed musical act, the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
2. Miller’s Famous Trombone Was Not His First Instrument
Miller grew up in a very musical family, with
Glenn Miller
Home &#; Jazz Musicians &#; Glenn Miller
Shortly after the beginning of the 20th century, in a small rural Southwestern Iowa town, a boy was born to Elmer and Mattie Lou Miller. The date was March 1, and the town was Clarinda. The boy that was born that night was named Alton Glen Miller (later changed to Glenn) and when he uttered his first cry, Clarinda heard Glenn Miller’s first "moonlight serenade." Glenn’s first serenade was not particularly unique as it had been sung by children for centuries and was barely heard across South 16th Street. However, his second Moonlight Serenade was a composition he wrote while studying music under Dr. Schillinger in New York City. Glenn’s second Moonlight Serenade was unique, becoming the theme song of his number one Big Band and heard literally all around the world.
Glenn’s grandparents were a part of the westward movement of people during the 's and moved to the Clarinda area around During their stay in Southwest Iowa, their son Elmer married Mattie Lou Cavender and before this young couple left Clarinda, their first son, Dean, was born; followed by a second son, Alton Glenn Miller, on March 1,
In hopes of
Glenn Miller: The Big Band Legend Who Defined an Era
Alton Glenn "Glenn" Miller (March 1, – December 15, ) remains one of the most celebrated figures of the swing era, not only for his chart-topping big band hits but also for his transformative role in military music during World War II. As an officer in the U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF), Miller used his talent to boost morale among Allied forces, leaving a legacy of innovation and dedication.
By , Glenn Miller was at the pinnacle of his career, leading the most popular big band of the era, Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. Their sophisticated arrangements and hits like “In the Mood” and “Moonlight Serenade” had captivated audiences worldwide. Despite earning approximately $20, a week—equivalent to $, in today’s dollars—Miller chose to leave his thriving career behind to serve his country.
At age 38, Miller was classified 3-A for the draft—unfit for service due to age, marital status, and the need for corrective eyeglasses. However, his desire to support the war effort drove him to volunteer. Initially, he applied for a commission in the U.S. Navy but was rejected, as the Navy faced scrutiny over issuing celebrity commissions. U
Biographies you may also like
Catharine beecher biography of williams A member of a prominent activist and religious family, Catharine Esther Beecher was a nineteenth century teacher and writer who promoted equal access to education for women and advocated Missing: williams.
Hagop pakradouni biography of william One of the most overlooked traditions which has been on the verge of extinction for Armenians in the diaspora has been the naming of Armenian names. Modern parents are opting for more .
Glenn miller orchestra biography of mahatma the Glenn Miller Orchestra was the nation’s hottest attraction. “Tuxedo Junction” and “A String of Pearls” reached No. 1 on the top-sellers chart, and Miller was awarded the first-ever gold Missing: mahatma.
Sasun paskevichyan biography of william shakespeare Biography, literary works and style of William Shakespeare. Learn everything you need to know about William Shakespeare.
Bobbie ann mason biography of william hill Who is Bobbie Ann Mason? Bobbie Ann Mason is an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and literary critic from Kentucky. With four siblings Mason grew up on her family's Missing: william hill.
Navneet kaur dhillon biography examples Navneet Kaur Dhillon’s age is Indian actress and model who first entered the public eye as India’s representative at Miss World She has since gone on to star in films like Love Missing: examples.