In the Mood for Glenn Miller

By Donna Teresa / Staff Writer Monterey Herald

The holidays make me very sentimental and I never want to forget the memories that I have of my grandparents.

I am captivated by their stories about life on the homefront during World War II. They were big fans of swing music and one of their favorites was the famous musician, composer and bandleader Alton "Glenn" Miller.

It was not uncommon for me to hear my grandmother humming his tunes when she was cooking something fantastic in the kitchen. The music was a welcome release during the war for those back home and especially those who were away from home in battle.

Glenn Miller was one of the best-selling recording artists of the 1930s and early ‘He had legendary hits that included "In the Mood," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "Tuxedo Junction," "Little Brown Jug," "Pennsylvania 6-5000" and my personal favorite "Moonlight Serenade."

Born in 1904, Miller’s family moved to several places before settling in Colorado. It was in high school that he discovered his passion for music.

After studying for a period at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he decided to leave and get experience playing in different bands, which eventually led to work as a trombonist and arranger for the great Dorsey Brothers.

Miller decided to try his luck and formed his own band. While the band had difficult times, and even broke up, Glenn did not give up on his dream. The band gave it another try, which led to many appearances on radio broadcasts. The band developed a major following and landed a few appearances in the motion picture industry.

While Glenn Miller was at the height of his popularity, he made the decision to leave civilian life and enter the service.

Although he was considered too old to be drafted, he unsuccessfully tried to join the Navy. The Army accepted him, along with his request that he lead the Army Air Force band and help entertain the troops.

Once in the Army, he became part of the Army Specialists Corps and a captain. The military kept Miller busy as he helped build morale for the troops, and was active in the war bond drive effort.

Miller asked for and received overseas duty and traveled with his band to numerous military bases, playing more than 800 performances to the troops. His numerous broadcast performances were heard by millions.

On Dec. 15, 1944, he boarded an aircraft on his way to meet his band to play a Christmas broadcast. The plane never made its destination and was never found, disappearing over the English Channel, forever missing in action. Miller was awarded the Bronze Star.

At the request of his daughter, a headstone was placed in his honor at Arlington National Cemetery in April of 1992.

Miller was survived by his college sweetheart wife, Helen, and their two children. Helen died in 1966. His brother Herb, who later lived in Pacific Grove for many years, started his own band to carry on the Miller name.

In 1996, the U.S. Postal Service established a stamp in Miller’s likeness. In 2003, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

As we approach the anniversary of the day his plane went missing, Glenn Miller can still bring a smile to our faces with his timeless music and a swing to our step. He lifted so many spirits of troops everywhere, with the power of a song as only he could do.

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected] Journal Donna Teresa writes about Glenn Miller and his performances for the troops at www.montereyherald.com.