Glenn Miller Orchestra in 2024
Glenn Miller began recording for the first time under his name in 1935 and now, nearly 90 years later, the most sought after big band of all time will return to Chattanooga on Nov. 1.
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform one concert in the Hayes Concert Hall on the UTC campus with a curtain time of 7 p.m.
Glenn Miller was one of the most popular artists of his time and his music is still being performed today.
Touring continuously since 1956, the orchestra is featured in over 200 concerts and dances each year.
Award winning Jazz Vocalist Jenny Swoish, from Nashville, is a member of the Moonlight Serenaders, the vocal group who travel with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The Moonlight Serenades was formerly the Modernaires with Paula Kelly.
Glenn Miller introduced “Chattanooga Choo Choo” in 1941 and in just a few months the record had sold 1.2 million copies. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” became the very first gold record. The song was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon.
In 1991, RCA victor released “Chattanooga Choo Choo – The Number 1 hits” to mark the 50th anniversary of the Gold Record.
“Hello Chattanooga” by David Carroll documents two appearances by the Miller Orchestra in the scenic City.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Tex Beneke performed at the Soldiers and Sailors Auditorium on Nov. 29, 1946. Mr. Carroll’s book notes that a young Henry Mancini played piano that evening.
Promoter Lon Varner brought the Glenn Miller Orchestra to the Tivoli Theater on Nov. 18, 1996. The band was introduced by retired broadcaster Roy Morris who was a friend of conductor and leader Larry O’Brien.
Trumpeter Andy Hagan, who graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1958, traveled the world with many of the Big Bands, including Glenn Miller. Mr. Hagan, who started playing professionally at the age of 15, is featured on several Mr. Miller albums. Mr. Hagan played trumpet the evening the Miller Orchestra entertained to a nearly full house at the Tivoli.
Music historians note Mr. Miller was a very patriotic man and could have avoided World War II because he was married and wore glasses. Instead, the trombone player broke up his very popular stateside orchestra and volunteered for the US Army. It wasn’t long until Mr. Miller formed the Army Air Force band and recorded the 1914 song “St. Louis Blues March.” Mr. Miller’s arrangement became a standard military march tune. Mr. Miller’s rank was Major.
The late Paul Kryer served as American Forces Network, Europe director of program services and told this writer there were hundreds of network broadcasts with the Miller band both before and after the conductor’s death. Mr. Kryer said Mr. Miller was very popular because brought a slice of home to the troops.
Singer Frank Sinatra told Dave Garroway in 1954 he first heard the Miller band while working at a New Jersey Saloon in 1939.
Mr. Sinatra said, “I met Glenn and ask him for a job but he hired Ray Eberle instead. I never sang for Glenn but we became good friends very early in my career.” Mr. Sinatra later went to work for another band leader, Tommy Dorsey.
On Dec. 15, 1944, Glenn Miller boarded a military transport plane to Paris. His plane disappeared over the English Channel, never to be seen again. Investigators said weather probably was a factor in the plane’s disappearance. Mr. Miller was only 40.
The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band recently celebrated its 80th anniversary with a new compact disc which featured Grand Ole Opry Star Crystal Gayle singing, “Sentimental Journey.”
Since 2021, saxophonist Erik Stabnau has conducted the Glenn Miller Orchestra; the band that had 59 charted songs including 17 top 10 records.
Although it wasn’t original, one of Mr. Miller’s favorite sayings came from his friend band leader Duke Ellington, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got swing.”
The late Jay Craven, who played with the Chattanooga Symphony for 50 years, said, "The Glenn Miller Orchestra had universal appeal and certainly earned a top place in American Music History.”
The 17 member orchestra will play their greatest hits, “Moonlight Serenade,” ”In the Mood,” “American Patrol,” “A String of Pearls,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” ‘I Know Why And So Do You” and of course “Chattanooga Choo Choo” as they continue their national tour.
Tickets for the concert are on sale at the UTC Fine Arts Center, Hayes Concert Hall.
Major Glenn Miller