Glenn Miller

Profession: Big Band Leader and Jazz Composer

Nationality:

Biography: The best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943, leading his self-titled band the "Glenn Miller Orchestra". He also played the trombone and made many of the band's arrangements.

Miller's hits include "In the Mood", "Pennsylvania 6-5000", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "A String of Pearls" and "Little Brown Jug".

He disappeared in 1944 in bad weather over the English Channel while traveling to entertain allied troops in France during World War II in a plane crash. His body was never found.

In 2014, long overlooked military documents were discovered which indicate Miller's plane probably crashed in the English Channel after its fuel intakes froze.

Born: March 1, 1904
Birthplace: Clarinda, Iowa, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: December 15, 1944 (aged 40)
Cause of Death: Probable plane crash over the English Channel

Articles and Photos

1st Ever Gold Record
The 1st ever gold record was awarded to "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra - this one was presented to the group's drummer, Tex Beneke
February 10, 1942

Historical Events

1939-05-17 The Glenn Miller Orchestra begins a three month engagement at the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York
1940-02-05 Glenn Miller and his Orchestra record "Tuxedo Junction"
1940-02-10 "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller hits #1
1940-04-28 Glenn Miller records "Pennsylvania 6-5000"
1941-03-24 Glenn Miller begins work on his 1st movie "Sun Valley Serenade", starring Sonja Henie and John Payne, for 20th Century Fox
1941-05-07 Glenn Miller records "Chattanooga Choo Choo" for RCA, it becomes 1st record to be designated "gold"
1942-02-10 Glenn Miller and his Orchestra awarded the 1st ever gold record for selling 1 million copies of "Chattanooga Choo Choo"
1942-09-27 Glenn Miller and his Orchestra give their final performance at Central Theater in Passaic, New Jersey; Miller disbanded the group as he joined the US Army
1944-12-15 American bandleader Major Glenn Miller, lost over the English Channel