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Glenn Miller and His Orchestra

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra was an American swing band founded by the trombonist Glenn Miller in 1938. Miller had played as an accompanist in New York in the 1920s and then turned to arranging, including for Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. He studied with the theorist Joseph Schillinger. A first orchestra from 1937 did not last long. His second, formed in March 1938, had its breakthrough when in 1939 it was given the summer residency at the Glen Island Casino near New York, with radio broadcasts across the whole country.

Music and breakthrough

The characteristic sound came from a clarinet and a tenor saxophone playing the melody together, with three other saxophones providing the harmony. In April 1939 the orchestra recorded Moonlight Serenade, which became the band's signature tune. In August came In the Mood, with its opening riff and the duelling saxophones of Tex Beneke and Al Klink. In 1940 came Tuxedo Junction and Pennsylvania 6-5000.

Influence

The orchestra became the most popular and commercially successful dance orchestra of the swing era. It had sixteen number one singles and sixty-nine top ten hits. It continued until 1942, when Miller joined the US Army Air Forces. He disappeared over the Channel in December 1944. His arrangements continue to shape our picture of the big band.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to In the Mood and notice how the saxophones and trumpets alternate. Hear the duel between the two tenor saxophones halfway through.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists