Glenn Miller

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About Glenn Miller

Glenn Miller is one of the most influential pre-rock ’n’ roll artists of the 20th century; as a trombone player, bandleader and composer, he did more to popularise the big-band swing sound of the ’40s than anybody but Benny Goodman. Born in Iowa in 1904, Miller worked as a sideman in the ’20s for Ben Pollack, Victor Young and others before making an impact as both musician and composer with The Dorsey Brothers in the ’30s. By decade’s end, Miller had started his own band, bringing a unique tilt to his arrangements and an endlessly danceable approach to the rhythm. In 1939, timeless milestones like “Moonlight Serenade” and “In the Mood” made Miller and his band a household name. In the ’40s, future standards like “Tuxedo Junction”, “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo” made Glenn Miller and His Orchestra even more popular. In 1944, at the peak of his popularity, Miller died tragically when his plane went down over the Channel, but his cultural impact will be felt forever, with his punchy, streamlined sound paving the way for big-band jazz and rock ’n’ roll to come.

HOMETOWN
Clarinda, IA, United States
BORN
1 March 1904
GENRE
Big Band

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