Died On This Date (December 15*, 1944) Glenn Miller / Jazz Icon

themusicsover December 15, 2009 0 Comments

Glenn Miller
March 1, 1904 – December 15, 1944 (Assumed)

Glenn Miller was a trombonist, composer and band leader who was arguably, the biggest name of the swing era.  Many of his songs have since become standards and are perhaps some of the most recognized in popular music.  They include, “In The Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.”  Over the course of his career, Miller played with the likes of Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, and the Dorsey Brothers.   During the late ’30s and early ’40s, he was playing the biggest halls in the world and fronting his band in numerous motion pictures.  In 1942, while at the peak of his musical career, Miller decided he wanted to serve his country during WWII, so he signed up for the Navy.  But at 38, was told he was too old so he managed to have some strings pulled to get into the Army and eventually the Army Air Force.  He served in non-combat positions while, of course, performing in a band.  On December 15, 1944, Miller was on a plane en route from England to Paris to entertain the troops when it disappeared over the English channel.  The plane nor its occupants were ever located, so Miller’s status was officially listed as Missing in Action.

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