# Glenn Miller

> American band leader, arranger, and composer (1904–1944)

**Wikidata**: [Q103651](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103651)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Miller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/glenn-miller

## Summary
Glenn Miller was an American bandleader, arranger, and composer (1904–1944) who led the Glenn Miller Orchestra, a big band known for its swing and jazz music. He is best remembered for his iconic compositions and performances that defined the Swing Era, though his tragic death in a plane crash during World War II overshadowed his legacy.

## Biography
- Born: March 1, 1904, Clarinda, Iowa, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Colorado Boulder
- Known for: Leading the Glenn Miller Orchestra and composing swing and jazz standards
- Employer(s): RCA Records, Bluebird Records
- Field(s): Music, bandleading, composition

## Contributions
- Led the Glenn Miller Orchestra (1937–1942), a big band that became synonymous with swing music.
- Composed and arranged numerous hits, including "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade," and "Chattanooga Choo Choo."
- Recorded with RCA Records and Bluebird Records, contributing to the Swing Era's golden age.
- Conducted the orchestra in live performances and recordings, shaping the sound of jazz and big band music.

## FAQs
**What genre of music did Glenn Miller specialize in?**
Glenn Miller specialized in swing and jazz, leading the Glenn Miller Orchestra, which became known for its energetic performances and iconic compositions.

**Where did Glenn Miller study?**
Glenn Miller attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he developed his musical skills and education.

**Which record labels did Glenn Miller work with?**
Glenn Miller worked with RCA Records and Bluebird Records, contributing to the Swing Era's golden age through his recordings and performances.

**What were some of Glenn Miller's most famous compositions?**
Some of Glenn Miller's most famous compositions include "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade," and "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which became swing standards.

**How did Glenn Miller die?**
Glenn Miller died on December 15, 1944, when his plane crashed during a military flight over the English Channel, marking the end of his life and career.

## Why They Matter
Glenn Miller's contributions to music are enduring, as his compositions and performances defined the Swing Era and influenced generations of musicians. His work with the Glenn Miller Orchestra helped shape the sound of jazz and big band music, and his recordings remain iconic. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, ensuring his place in musical history.

## Notable For
- Leading the Glenn Miller Orchestra, a big band that became synonymous with swing music.
- Composing and arranging hits like "In the Mood" and "Moonlight Serenade."
- Recording with RCA Records and Bluebird Records, contributing to the Swing Era's golden age.
- Conducting the orchestra in live performances and recordings, shaping the sound of jazz and big band music.
- Receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously, recognizing his impact on music.
- Having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his contributions to entertainment.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Glenn Miller was born on March 1, 1904, in Clarinda, Iowa, United States. He attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he developed his musical skills and education. His early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career as a bandleader and composer.

### Career and Musical Contributions
Glenn Miller began his career as a bandleader, forming the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1937. The orchestra quickly gained fame for its swing and jazz performances, becoming one of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era. Miller composed and arranged numerous hits, including "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade," and "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which became swing standards and are still celebrated today.

### Record Labels and Recordings
Glenn Miller worked with RCA Records and Bluebird Records, contributing to the Swing Era's golden age through his recordings and performances. His recordings with these labels helped establish his reputation as a leading figure in jazz and big band music.

### Live Performances and Influence
Miller conducted the Glenn Miller Orchestra in live performances, shaping the sound of jazz and big band music. His energetic performances and iconic compositions influenced generations of musicians, ensuring his legacy as a pioneer in swing music.

### Death and Legacy
Glenn Miller died on December 15, 1944, when his plane crashed during a military flight over the English Channel. His untimely death marked the end of his life and career, but his contributions to music continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. Posthumously, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his impact on music, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his contributions to entertainment.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/peoples_war/glen_miller_twinwood.shtml)
2. [Source](http://articles.latimes.com/1991-02-26/entertainment/ca-2095_1_steve-laury)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Genealogics
6. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/57/a5323457.shtml)
7. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/23/nyregion/jazz-a-friendship-brings-musical-riches-to-rutgers.html)
8. NNDB
9. [Source](http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/swing-era-swingtime-vol-1/3558077?ean=610583015522)
10. [Discogs](http://www.discogs.com/Shirley-Scott-Roll-Em-Shirley-Scott-Plays-The-Big-Bands/release/788751)
11. The Fine Art Archive
12. [Source](http://news.allaboutjazz.com/jazz-musician-of-the-day-glenn-miller__10107.php)
13. [Source](http://www.broadwayworld.com/rockland/article/Westchester-Broadway-Theatre-Presents-THE-GLENN-MILLER-ORCHESTRA-20010101)
14. [Source](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1362/026725700785100479)
15. [The Military Honor Wall - Miller, Alton Glenn, MAJ - Fallen](https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApps?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=241173)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. MusicBrainz
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. CiNii Research
20. Discogs
21. [Source](https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu021001)
22. IMDb
23. SNAC
24. Internet Broadway Database
25. Find a Grave
26. Miller, Glenn (01 March 1904–15 December 1944), musician and band leader
27. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
28. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
29. GeneaStar
30. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
31. [Source](https://catalog.archives.gov/i10582406)
32. BBC Things
33. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
34. Genius
35. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
36. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/glenn-miller)