My dad loved big band music, much more than mom. I believe Glenn Miller was my dad’s favorite of the big band orchestras, and I suppose this is my favorite song. It was written by Jerry Gray and recorded in November of 1941.

The upright bass and drums that drive this song are by “Doc” Goldberg and Moe Purtill respectively. Other musicians are, Saxes: Babe Russin, Tex Beneke, Wilbur Schwartz, Ernie Caceres, Al Klink; Trumpets: John Best, R. D. McMickle, Billy May, Alec Fila; Trombones: Glenn Miller, Jimmy Priddy, Paul Tanner, Frank D'Annolfo; Piano: Chummy MacGregor; Guitar/Cornet: Bobby Hackett.

“Miller is considered to be the father of the modern US military bands. In 1942, he volunteered to join the US military. He entertained troops during World War II, and ended up in the US Army Air Forces. Their workload was just as heavy as the civilian band's had been. With a full string section added to a big band, the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra was the forerunner of many US military big bands.

Miller went missing in action (MIA) on December 15, 1944, on a flight over the English Channel from England to France. In keeping with standard operating procedure for the US military services, Miller was officially declared dead a year and a day later. An Army investigation led to an official finding of death (FOD) for Miller, Norman Baessell, and John Morgan, all of whom died on the same flight. All three officers are listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in Cambridge, England. Since his body was not recoverable, Miller was allowed to have a memorial headstone placed at the US Army-operated Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In February 1945, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal.”
- Wiki
My dad was a USAAF WWII veteran and played clarinet in his HS band.

A String of Pearls

When I was a kid, I loved trains. I would have Dad play this on the record player from his collection all the time.

My dad was a huge fan, too. Every Sunday the record player would be on and we’d be listening to big band. As a little girl, I learned to dance to big band with all our family friends at parties. Matter of fact, my dance with my dad at my wedding was “In the Mood”.
Over the years, every time that song came on, I’d run and find him and we’d head to the dance floor. Brings a tear to my eyes remembering. Thank you.

When I made the post about Glenn Miller, I didn’t expect much of a response, it was mostly a tribute to my dad. I was pleased that it triggered memories in both Last Cub Scout and irreverent.

Glenn Miller and his Orchestra appeared in two movies Sun Valley Serenade, and Orchestra Wives. The film clip of “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” that Last Cub Scout posted is from Orchestra Wives, the two phenomenal dancers are the Nicholas Brothers.

The film clip below is from Sun Valley Serenade, and it’s colorized. The piano player is the movie lead, John Payne, and not a band member. Also starring in the movie with Payne is Sonja Henie, the 3-time, Norwegian, Olympic figure skating champion.

You are not alone.

My father was also a big fan. I remember he didn't have very many vinyl records, but Glenn Miller he had a couple of.

I have a cd of Christmas tunes from Glenn and band that is a tradition to play during the holidays.

Miss you pops!

Cheers~

Almost every Saturday morning, my Dad, (WWII vet), would make pancakes and have the AM radio set to the big band channel.

My brother and I just mentioned last week how much we miss those days.......

Thanks Tom for the memories,

PC

Although it's subjective, I think "Moonlight Serenade" is perhaps the iconic musical representation of 1940's America.

Born in Clarinda, Iowa!

Local radio station does 2 hours of Big Band every Sunday morning.

Big fans here at Willow Fen Farm

quote:

Originally posted by marksman41:
Although it's subjective, I think "Moonlight Serenade" is perhaps the iconic musical representation of 1940's America.

I agree.

It’s so great that a thread about Glenn Miller triggered wonderful memories for others here. When was researching him, I believe I learned that “Moonlight Serenade” was Miller’s first musical composition, and that it goes back to (IIRC) 1928.

I wrote that “A String of Pearls” is probably my favorite, but the more I think about it, now I think it’s mostly the song title, it’s so lyrical to me, and would be such a great name for a retro nightclub.

My parents were also big fans of the big bands. My Dad born in 1915 and my Mother in 1918. Hard to believe thinking about that.

As I recall, this was their favorite song.

But I remember watching them dance to In The Mood.

In my 50’s, I played trombone in a 16 piece swing band. While we played a bunch of that era of charts, In The Mood was always the most requested song. Mike

Least objectionable music , ever.
Nothing to not like.

And I can almost find something wrong about some kind of music.

Singable, hummable, very danceable, mult mood ,
Sound trackable,
In it's time frame, it's what this whole country needed .

I'm a huge big band fan. My playlist is full of it.

Of course Glenn Miller is a favorite. The Glenn Miller Orchestra still tours and I've been to see them several times. They do a Battle of the Big Bands with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra that I would like to see.

I also really like Artie Shaw.

I had a client once who had met Glenn Miller while both were in service and had gotten to play with Miller. It still tickles me that I met someone who knew and played with Miller.

quote:

Originally posted by marksman41:
Although it's subjective, I think "Moonlight Serenade" is perhaps the iconic musical representation of 1940's America.

I can’t say that I disagree. Frankly, it’s the song that pops into my head whenever I think of simpler times for this country. I think of it whenever I think of my grandparents. I think it’s a lovely song thag I enjoy listening to as well.

I know some may call it cheesy, but the music is good. It occasionally pops up on TCM.

Forties Junction is a favorite of mine on XM/Sirius channels. I'll contribute this one from Glenn and His Orchestra.

rat, “American Patrol” is a song I recognized, but never knew the title of, thanks.

The slide show that accompanies the song is outstanding!

FWIW, the first post lists 5 saxophone players. I read that Miller started having the 5th sax player play clarinet, and that became part of the band’s signature sound.

I learned a few things about him on Forties Junction, and that number was one that I recalled easily. His band's cover of "Begin the Beguine" is awesome. This version has been tweaked to sound like a Stereo recording, with some good photos.