Glenn Miller was an iconic musician whose music defined a generation in the 1940s. He was the top-selling artist between 1939 and 1942, and his musical legacy carried on for decades after.
Miller was one of the most influential musicians of the big band and swing era and played a big part in bringing swing to a larger audience. His unique style and flawless technique captivated music fans across the globe.
Some of his biggest hits include:
- Moonlight Serenade
- Pennsylvania 6-5000
- In The Mood
These are only a few. In fact, Glenn Miller had more number one hits in four years than Elvis Pressly and the Beatles did in their entire careers. Another remarkable thing to note is that even young people who didn’t experience his music at the time have certainly heard some of the above. His music had such appeal and staying power that it can still be heard in movies and other popular culture today.
Speaking of movies, did you know that James Stewart played miller on screen in The Glenn Miller story? That’s because his impact went beyond, music. Like Stewart, Miller decided to serve his country during WWII. In 1942, the band leader volunteered to entertain troops stationed overseas. Sadly, the plain he was in disappeared in bad weather in 1944. This brought an end to his career, but not the impact of his music and his story.
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