Glenn Miller

Alton Glen “Glenn” Miller, born on March 1, 1904, and missing in action (MIA) since December 15, 1944, was a prominent American big band conductor, arranger, composer, trombone player, and recording artist, particularly renowned for his contributions before and during World War II while serving as an officer in the US Army Air Forces.

Miller’s civilian ensemble, “Glenn Miller and His Orchestra,” and his military group, the “Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra,” achieved extraordinary popularity and success during their respective periods. The civilian band, notably without a string section, became the best-selling recording band from 1939 to 1942, engaging in extensive touring and radio broadcasts. Among their notable records were hits like “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “In the Mood,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “A String of Pearls,” and many others.

Miller’s impact on the music industry was substantial, with 16 number one records and 69 top 10 hits in just four years—surpassing the achievements of Elvis Presley and the Beatles in their careers. His legacy extends to the Grammy Hall of Fame, where multiple recordings bear testament to his enduring influence on swing bands, jazz bands, and big bands globally for over 75 years.

Recognized as the father of modern US military bands, Miller volunteered for the US military in 1942 during World War II. Leading the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra, he laid the groundwork for subsequent US military big bands, maintaining a workload equivalent to his civilian band.

Tragically, Miller went MIA on December 15, 1944, during a flight over the English Channel. Following standard military protocol, he was officially declared dead a year and a day later. An Army investigation led to an official finding of death (FOD) for Miller and two others who perished in the same flight. Their names are inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in England. Despite his body being unrecoverable, Miller was honored with a memorial headstone at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. In February 1945, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, commemorating his significant contributions to music and service during World War II.