Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904 – disappeared December 15, 1944) was an American big-band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era. He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1942, leading one of the best-known big bands. Miller’s recordings include “In the Mood”, “Moonlight Serenade”, “Pennsylvania 6-5000”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “A String of Pearls”, “At Last”, “(I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo”, “American Patrol”, “Tuxedo Junction”, “Elmer’s Tune”, “Little Brown Jug” and “Anvil Chorus”. In just four years Glenn Miller scored 16 number-one records and 69 top ten hits–more than Elvis Presley (38 top 10s) and the Beatles (33 top 10s) did in their careers.
In 1942, Miller volunteered to join the U.S. military to entertain troops during World War II, ending up with the U.S. Army Air Forces. On December 15, 1944, while flying to Paris, Miller’s aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
instruments played
trombone
Allegiance
United States of America
Associated Acts
Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Modernaires, Marion Hutton
Disappeared
December 15, 1944 (aged 40) over English Channel
Genres
Swing music, big band
Rank
Major
Servicebranch
United States Army Air Forces
Spouses
Helen Burger (m. 1928)
Years Active
1923 1944
Years Of Service
1942 1944
Name
Glenn Miller
Nationality
United States of America