Of all the outstanding popular dance bands, the one that evokes the most memories of how wonderfully romantic the Big Band Era was, the one whose music people most want to hear, over and over again, is the band of the late Glenn Miller. And it wasn't just for the orchestras he fronted and led during the years 1935 to 1942, but the mystique carried over to the music of the Army Air Force Command Band he put together and conducted from June, 1943 to his death in December, 1944. The fact that the musicians he recruited were so well trained allowed the service band to continue to play that "Miller music" until discharged in late 1945. The music was so in demand that it allowed Ray McKinley to lead a Miller Orchestra for another ten years. So I was interested in this not-great trombonist, better-than-average composer/arranger and what motivated him. What did I find? Well, the entire career of the Glenn Miller bands lasted just eight years. The last six were glorious; the first two were "the pits". To be honest, Miller was not motivated to succeed for any other reason but money. He wanted to be the highest grossing bandleader of his time-- and he remarked to friends that out-dollaring Kay Kyser was his ambition. He looked like a schoolteacher, but he had an artistic sensitivity and great imagination. He made decisions easily, quickly and rationally. He was strong-willed, but that strong will almost always had a clear purpose. He was stubborn, and not always fair--he had intense likes and dislikes. And his successful orchestras, from 1939 on, were ones of great moods, of great contrasts, and of great excitement. Put together by a man who knew better than any other band leader what he wanted, he strove to reach that orchestral sound he felt would have lasting listener appeal. Now, I invite you to tune into my program, where you'll hear me comment on the music, the orchestra and sidemen, Miller the man, and news about that time in history.
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