FEBRUARY 22, 2024
IOWA HISTORY 101 APPEARANCE
Iowa’s State Historical Museum welcomed Dennis M. Spragg and his presentation A Portarit of Glenn Miller for their Iowa History 101 Series on FDebruary 22, 2024. In addition to his opening and closing remarks with Q&A, Dennis shared a 34-minute video overview of Glenn Miller’s life, exceptional career and distinguished military service. With an emphasis on Miller’s Iowa roots, Dennis demonstrates Glenn’s unique development as a jazz, popular and classical musician, arranger and leader. Moreover, Dennis highlights Miller’s remarkable popularity with examples of his well-known hit recordings but also some rarities, including a December 1941 broadcast segment saluting the Iowa State College Pilot’s Club in Ames. As the author of Glenn Miller Declassified and Miller’s authorized biographer, Dennis also describes the unfiortunate circumstances of Miller’s tragic disappearance in flight on December 15, 1944. You can find A Portrait of Glenn Miller here:
FEBRUARY 9, 2024
PBS EDDIE DURHAM DOCUMENTARY
Dennis M. Spragg appears on the current American Public Television documentary “Wham Re-Bop-Boom-Bam, the Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham.” In this milestone jazz history, Dennis describes the importance of African American arranger Eddie Durham to the success of Glenn Miller and his Orchestra at a pivotal moment in the development of what became America’s number one band of the big-band era. Dennis also contributes a significant amount of the recordings and images seen in the program. To learn more and to watch the program, here is the link to the PBS Eddie Durham documentary page:
FEBRUARY 9, 2024
GLENN MILLER – HISTORIC 2-CD SET RELEASE
Dennis M. Spragg is Executive Producer of the new and historic 2-CD release, Glenn Miller Limited Edition, Vol. 1, The Historic Chesterfield Moonlight Serenade Broadcasts, 1940-1942.” The set is about to be deleivered by the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society and is a fundraiser sposnored and apoproved by the Glenn Miller Estate and Glenn Miller Collections of the University of Colorado Boulder. The handsome package includes 55 never before issued selections from Glenn Miller’s 1940-1942 CBS network radio broadcasts in addition to 6 previously issued but now complete and restored selections. This is the first new and authorized Glenn Miller release in 21 years and includes a detailed and colorful commemorative booklet and complete discography. The set is available to order from the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society. Learn more about the new 2-CD set here:
June 10, 2022
GLENN MILLER BIRTHPLACE SOCIETY – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
At the annual Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Festival in Clarinda, Iowa, the group awarded Dennis M. Spragg their Lifetime Achievement Award and Life Membership in the organization. This honor coincided with the first festival following a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions. At the event, themed “Here We Go Again,” Spragg presented Glenn Miller – 1942 an audio-visual media presentation focused on Miller’s activities, recordings and broadcasts.
April 5, 2022
WABC – Frank Morano Program – The Disappearance of Glenn Miller
Dennis M. Spragg joined host Frank Morano on 77 WABC New York to discuss the disappearance of Glenn Miller. Here is the interview, courtesy of WABC.
December 13, 2021
MACARTHUR MEMORIAL – Glenn Miller’s Wartime Service and Disappearance
NORFOLK, Va. – The General Douglas MacArthur Memoria and Museum in Norfolk, VA has posted a detailed interview with Dennis M. Spragg of the Glenn Miller Archives and author of Glenn Miller Declassified. The podcast, available online, describes the wartime service and disappearance of Major Glenn Miller, U. S. Army Air Forces. America’s number one bandleader of the legendary big band era walked away from his lucrative civilian career to lead efforts by the Army Air Forces to modernize military music, entertain the troops, recruit airmen and raise money to support the war effort. Gen. James H. Doolittle famously said, “next to a letter from home, (Major Miller’s) band was the most important morale booster in the European Theater.” The interview describes Miller’s reason for enlisting, activities stateside and in the ETO and his tragic loss in December 1944. You can listen to the podcast here:
March 16, 2021
NAMM Oral History
NAMM – The National Association of Music Merchants, founded in 1901, has published an oral history featuring Dennis, in which he describes his books America Ascendant and Glenn Miller Declassified, and the work of the Glenn Miller Archives. This is a preview of a complete, hour-long discussion that is part of NAMM’s series of oral histories. You can watch the interview here:
Dennis Spragg | Oral Histories | NAMM.org
December 15, 2020
GLENN MILLER INTERVIEWS
Dennis M. Spragg has appeared on several video and audio interviews that feature Major Glenn Miller and discuss his untimely and tragic disappearnce on Friday, December 15, 1944. The National Museum of the Eighth Air Fofrce has also made available Dennis’ November 2019 presentation of Glenn Miller Declassified at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, Georgia. The informative appearances can be found at these links:
“Glenn Miller Declassified” Author Talk on Vimeo
Glenn Miller’s Last Flight – YouTube
AUGUST 14, 2020
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW RECOMMENDATION
Firstly, Midwest Book Review has recommended America Ascendant, the Rise of American Exceptionalism. Secondly, their recommendation is a “reviewer’s choice” or leading recommendation of the month from among many excellent books.
Furthermore, James Cox and Diane Donovan note, “American Ascendant: The Rise of American Exceptionalism discusses the global crisis that changed American history. President Franklin D. Roosevelt arranged a partnership between the U.S. government and media to communicate the threat of World War II to the American public. The purpose was to promote the idea of American exceptionalism. And to manipulate the public to support the government’s cause. Seldom has a connection between government and media purposes been so clearly explored. Spragg probes the underlying conflicts and ideals that had to be addressed in an effort to change the American mind. He pairs historical with political and social history in a survey replete in World War II events, media choices and representations. And government special interests. The result is a powerful, different view of American Exceptionalism and a history that belongs not just in American history holdings, but media studies collections.”
Consequently, this important recommendation is an honor. Therefore, Midwest Book Review captures the essence of the book and intention of the author. In conclusion, readers can find the Midwest Book Review recommendation of America Ascendant, the Rise of American Exceptionalism here:
AUGUST 14, 2020
U. S. ARMY MILITARY REVIEW RECOMMENDATION
The U. S. Army Military Review has published an awesome review of America Ascendant, which says, in part: “The strength of America Ascendant is Spragg’s exceptional prose and style. It is simply hard to put down. His exhaustive research of both primary and secondary sources provides a comprehensive look of the Axis defeat from many perspectives. The work is highly readable and may be the most comprehensive examination of America’s public diplomacy efforts during World War II to date. This would be an excellent addition to the library of any historian or student with an interest on the subject.” Army Military Review also recommended Glenn Miller Declassified. The full review can be found here:
U. S. Army Military Review – America Ascendant
MAY 19, 2020
AMERICA ASCENDANT AUDIOBOOK
Tantor Media has released the America Ascendant audiobook, read by Tom Perkins, which is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all fine booksellers
MARCH 1, 2020
GLENN MILLER DECLASSIFIED PAPERBACK EDITION
The Potomac Books imprint of the University of Nebraska Press has released the paperback edition of Glenn Miller Declassified on Glenn Miller’s birthday. The new edition is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all other fine booksellers.
WASHINGTON POST, DECEMBER 24, 2019
75 YEARS AGO, GLENN MILLER’S PLANE VANISHED OVER THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
The Washington Post has published a very thoughtful and informative article by Michael E. Ruane remembering the 75th anniversary of the disappearance of Major Glenn Miller. Included in the article are comments by Dennis M. Spragg, author of the critically praised Glenn Miller Declassified from the Potomac Books imprint of the University of Nebraska Press. Here is a link to the timely and true story:
DECEMBER 4, 2019
AMERICA ASCENDANT RELEASED
The Potomac Books imprint of the University of Nebraska Press has released America Ascendant, The Rise of American Exceptionalism. The new book by Dennis M. Spragg is now in stock and available from fine booksellers everywhere, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. America Ascendant is a very timely and thought-provoking statement about genuine American exceptionalism, the arc of American achievement and, specifically, how a president, his administration and the media forever changed what American exceptionalism meant. Moreover, America Ascendant is a tribute to the exceptional Americans who made their unique nation victorious in war, magnanimous in peace and a beacon of liberty. The time is right for this realistic and factual history, which is also a fascinating and enjoyable read.
Learn more:
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE
NOVEMBER 21, 2019
Dennis M. Spragg will appear at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia, near Savannah, on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. He will present “Glenn Miller Declassified, the Eighth Air Force,” which describes the close relationship between Major Glenn Miller, his Army Air Forces Band, and the Eighth Air Force. The author’s critically praised book Glenn Miller Declassified details the many day-to-day connections between the legendary bandleader and patriot with the Eighth Air Force, including being based with the Eighth Air Force Service Command, concerts at combat bomber and fighter groups and the circumstances of Miller’s ill-fated flight aboard an Eighth Air Force Service Command C-64 Norseman. Spragg will also introduce the audience to the B-17 christened Moonlight Serenade in Miller’s honor and Miller’s cousin-in-law and Eighth Air Force Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Orvil Anderson. He will also unveil the Eighth Air Force Inquiry into Miller’s disappearance. For further information, here are links to the event:
https://www.visitsavannah.com/event/glenn-miller-declassified-by-dennis-spragg/2378
SMITHSONIAN, NOVEMBER 2019
GLENN MILLER’S MUSIC DEFINED AN ERA
Dennis M. Spragg honors Glenn Miller and his theme “Moonlight Serenade” with an essay in the November 2019 issue of Smithsonian Magazine and Smithsonian online. Here is a link to the essay:
Smithsonian November 2019 Glenn Miller Essay
FOX NEWS, MARCH 27, 2019
RESPONSE TO CLAIMS GLENN MILLER’S PLANE POSSIBLY FOUND
Fox News has published an updated report about the possible search for Noorduyn C-64 Norseman 44-70285 that disappeared on December 15, 1944 with Major Glenn Miller aboard as a passenger. The story includes detailed comments by Dennis M. Spragg, author of Glenn Miller Declassified. Here is a link to the story:
Bandleader Glenn Miller’s Plane Possibly Found
PEOPLE.COM, JANUARY 18, 2019
WHAT HAPPENED TO GLENN MILLER?
A complimentary article by Jordan Runtagh about Glenn Miller and the recent reports about the missing C-64 that he was aboard. Jordan mentions Glenn Miller Declassified and my public comments about the cause of the accident on December 15, 1944.
https://people.com/music/glenn-miller-vanished-mysterious-plane-crash-theories/
GLENN MILLER BIRTHPLACE SOCIETY, JUNE 2018
“ARMY AIR FORCES ORCHESTRA DIAMOND JUBILEE”
Historian Dennis M. Spragg of the Glenn Miller Archive and author of Glenn Miller Declassified was the keynote speaker of the 2018 Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Festival in Clarinda, Iowa. His presentation honoring the 1943-2018 Diamond Jubilee of the formation of Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces Orchestra” was Glenn Miller, A Study in Leadership. The GMBS has posted a video of the presentation to You Tube and it can be viewed here:
Glenn Miller – A Study in Leadership – June 2018
KEY PUBLISHING, MAY 2018
“BRITAIN AT WAR – INTO THIN AIR”
The May 2018 issue of “Britain at War” contains a very informative article about “Glenn Miller Declassified.”
DENVER POST
BOULDER DAILY CAMERA
APRIL 18-20, 2018
“ALAN CASS, 1941-2018”
From the University of Colorado Glenn Miller Archive:
With profound sorrow and at the request of Sue Cass, I wish to inform his friends around the world that our beloved Curator Emeritus C. F. Alan Cass has passed away this morning, April 18, 2018.
It is impossible at this time to properly describe the integrity, character, love and commitment that Alan selflessly gave to all of us over the years and his devotion to the University of Colorado Boulder and the legacy of Glenn Miller. At the proper time, we will publish and circulate a proper biography that does justice to Alan’s far-reaching impact and achievements in the areas of university facilities management, athletic events, the CU football and basketball programs, the Denver Broncos, public speaking, commencements above all, the archive.
CU Boulder Remembers Longtime Campus Fixture Alan Cass
Articles from the Denver Post and Boulder Daily Camera can be found here:
Voice of the CU Buffs Dies at 77
The Force Behind The CU Glenn Miller Archive Passes
TANTOR MEDIA, MARCH 13, 2018
“GLENN MILLER DECLASSIFIED AUDIO BOOK RELEASED”
Tantor Media released the audio book edition of Glenn Miller Declassified on March 13, 2018. Jonathan Yen does a superb job of reading the story with authority and sensitivity.
For an audio sample and additional details, please visit this link:
Glenn Miller Declassified Audio Book
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., MARCH 13, 2018
“TREASURY EXECUTIVE INSTITUTE GLENN MILLER EVENT”
The Treasury Executive Institute (TEI) is an influential inter-agency management and leadership forum. On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, Historian/Author Dennis M. Spragg was invited to present Glenn Miller – A Study In Leadership for members of the group. The presentation was also video-conferenced to additional remote sites in the United States and overseas, and members received copies of Glenn Miller Declassified signed by Dennis. It is important that members of the government agencies learn and appreciate the unique and influential leadership of Major Glenn Miller as well as his considerable management skills.
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY, MARCH 1, 2018
“GLENN MILLER DECLASSIFIED CHICAGO EVENT”
On Thursday, March 1, 2018, Historian/Author Dennis M. Spragg joined host Chris Popa of the Chicago Public Library to discuss Major Glenn Miller and Glenn Miller Declassified. Readers from the Chicagoland area gathered for an informative presentation and conversation about the legendary Glenn Miller and importance of his service to the nation and the true circumstances of his disappearance. They were also entertained with Glenn Miller music and the voice of Chris Popa (Former Glenn Miller Orchestra singer) performing several evocative Miller ballads. The event was held in the Cindy Pritzer Auditorium of the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street.
BBC THREE COUNTIES RADIO, JANUARY 16, 2018
“GLENN MILLER DECLASSIFIED”
Dennis was the guest of Nick Coffer and BBC Three Counties Radio to discuss Glenn Miller Declassified. Here is their conversation courtesy of the BBC:
DAILY MAIL, DECEMBER 20, 2017
“THE RAF DID NOT KILL GLENN MILLER”
Here is a link to the article:
THE MIRROR, DECEMBER 20, 2017
“70 YEAR OLD MYSTERY SOLVED”
Here is a link to the article:
THE EXPRESS, DECEMBER 20, 2017
“MYSTERY OF GLENN MILLER’S DEATH IS FINALLY SOLVED”
Here is a link to the article:
The Express, December 20, 2017
DEVON LIVE, DECEMBER 20, 2017
“MYSTERY OF GLENN MILLER’S DEATH SOLVED”
Here is a link to the article
BBC, DECEMBER 20, 2017
“GLENN MILLER MYSTERY – NOTEBOOK SHEDS LIGHT ON DEATH”
Here is a link to the article
RAF NEWS, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
“CREWS CLEARED IN MILLER MYSTERY”
Here is a link to the article:
THE TIMES, AUGUST 30, 2017
“HISTORIAN BLASTS RAF BOMB THEORY OF GLENN MILLER’S DEATH IN 1944”
Here is a link to the article:
THE GUARDIAN, AUGUST 29, 2017
“GLENN MILLER BOOK CLEARS RAF OF ACCIDENTALLY KILLING BANDLEADER”
Research by historian Dennis Spragg suggests that the Lancaster bombers often blamed were 90 minutes too early.
Here is a link to the article:
GLENN MILLER BIRTHPLACE SOCIETY, JUNE 2017
“GLENN MILLER DECLASSIFIED VIDEO”
Dennis attended the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society’s 42nd annual Glenn Miller Music Festival in “cousin country”, Clarinda, Iowa, June 7-11, 2017 and had the opportunity to meet and greet old and new friends.
He previewed Glenn Miller Declassified Saturday, June 10 for the first time anywhere. Chris Gardner videoed the presentation for the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society and has posted it on You Tube. Here is a link to the first-time overview of the book:
Glenn Miller Declassified – YouTube
BBC RADIO 2, DECEMBER 2014
“GLENN MILLER – 70 YEARS OF MYSTERY”
Dennis appeared on the BBC Radio 2 special broadcast 70 Years of Mystery in December 2014 that recognized the 70th anniversary of Glenn Miller’s disappearance and the Resolved project that became Glenn Miller Declassified. Host Len Goodman’s informative interview with Dennis includes historic audio of Glenn Miller and people who worked with him, including Ray McKinley and Cecil Madden.
Here is the BBC Radio 2 programme:
BBC-2 – Part 1
BBC-2 – Part 2
PBS, JULY 2014
HISTORY DETECTIVES – THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GLENN MILLER
Dennis appeared on the PBS History Detectives series episode The Disappearance of Glenn Miller in July 2014 (Season 11, Episode 2) that went into detail about what happened to the famous bandleader on December 15, 1944. Here is a link to the program:
History Detectives | HDSI – The Disappearance of Glenn Miller | Season 11 | Episode 2 | PBS