HOW GLENN MILLER’S MUSIC DEFINED A GENERATION
“Moonlight Serenade” is my essay appearing in the November 2019 edition of Smithsonian Magazine. It honors Glenn Miller and his famous recording. Moreover, it appears on the seventy-fifth anniversary of his disappearance. Here is a link to my Smithsonian essay, which also appears on Smithsonian Online:
AMERICA’S NUMBER ONE BANDLEADER
Glenn Miller was America’s number one bandleader and his evocative theme song was “Moonlight Serenade.” Firstly, he had the most number one hits of any artist in history. And during a brief period, 1938 to 1942. Moreover, he was also a sensitive patriot. Miller believed he had an obligation to “the kids who bought my records.” Therefore, on September 26, 1942, he disbanded to join the Army. There he developed the legendary Army Air Forces Band. The popular unit included many notable jazz talents and singers, as well as a large string section, with virtuoso musicians from leading symphony orchestras.
A FATEFUL FLIGHT
Finally, the AAF Band moved to England in June 1944, where Major Glenn Miller and his men entertained and broadcast for allied forces and the European public. Consequently, on December 15, 1944, Miller boarded a small airplane for a flight from England to France. His reason was to prepare for the AAF Band to transfer its activities to Paris. Miller wanted to be closer to the front lines. The airplane disappeared over the English Channel. The authorities never found any debris. Therefore, to this day, Miller remains listed as “missing in action.” In conclusion, learn more about the real Glenn Miller and “Moonlight Serenade” in Glenn Miller Declassified. Meanwhile, don’t forget that you can hear the authentic original music of Glenn Miller on our weekly Star-Spangled Radio Hour podcasts. Learn more about Glenn Miller: