Miller, Glenn (1904-1944), was a popular American dance band leader, arranger, and trombonist. Miller’s band featured a distinctive sound that he developed by blending a clarinet with four saxophones. The band played smoothly danceable ballads and crisply driving swing numbers. Miller achieved his greatest popularity from 1939 to 1942. During this time he recorded many hits, including “Moonlight Serenade,” the band’s theme song; “Little Brown Jug”; “In the Mood”; “Tuxedo Junction”; “Pennsylvania 6-5000”; “Chattanooga Choo Choo”; “A String of Pearls”; and “(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo.”
Alton Glenn Miller was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on March 1, 1904. From 1926 to 1936, he played trombone in several bands, including those of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Red Nichols, Ray Noble, Ben Pollack, and Freddy Rich. Miller first formed his own band in 1937. Miller disbanded his group and joined the United States Army Air Forces in 1942. In the military he organized and led an acclaimed band made up of American servicemen. While stationed in England, Miller disappeared during an air journey.
