Glenn Miller
Trombonist and bandleader Glenn Miller helped define the Big Band style of swing music.
Fast Facts
- Name: Alton Glenn Miller
- Born: March 1, 1904
- Died: December 15, 1944
- Birthplace: Clarinda, Iowa
- Played in the Army Air Force Band, held the rank of major
- Disappeared mysteriously over the English Channel on a flight to Paris in 1944
- Ghost Band: The Glenn Miller Orchestra still tours today
Career
In high school, Miller was interested in the new style of dance band music and started a band with some friends. By the time Miller graduated, he had made the decision that he wanted to be a professional musician.
In 1926, Miller toured with several different groups and landed a spot in Ben Pollack's group in Los Angeles. Miller wrote several musical arrangements before he formed his own band in 1937.
By 1939, Miller's band rose in popularity and he received his first gold record for the song "Chattenooga Choo Choo" in 1942.
Miller joined the army in 1942, where he formed a military band and traveled around and played for the troops in World War II. In 1944, Miller boarded a flight to Paris to set up arrangements for his band. The plane disappeared and was never found.
Notable Works
Quote
"During World War II, Glenn Miller's Army Air Force Band, forerunner of the Airmen of Note, entertained more than a million troops. Maj. Miller combined military and musical precision to create a band which many say was even better than his civilian band. Considered the father of modern military music, Miller should also be remembered as an American patriot."—Arlington National Cemetery1
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