ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCES
Welcome to On the Record, a series profiling historic recording sessions and broadcasts from the Glenn Miller Collections. With notes and anecdotes by Dennis M. Spragg. Moreover, On the Record features performances of historic, artistic and entertainment significance. Moreover, please stay tuned for more history about Glenn Miller’s Bluebird and Victor recording sessions, from the Glenn Miller Collections of the American Music Research Center at the University of Colorado Boulder and courtesy of the Estate of Glenn Miller and Sony Legacy Entertainment. We regularly feature complete original performances by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, streaming online on the weekly Star-Spangled Radio Hour podcasts.
GLENN MILLER
Glenn Miller signed a contract with RCA for its Bluebird label in 1938. Following his breakout success in 1939, RCA doubled Miller’s contract in early 1940 and he never looked back. Moreover, with dozens of hits in 1940 and 1941, Miller’s RCA production increased in scope and quality. Likewise, as his band evolved with new and innovative styles, the sessions reflect his progress. Miller had more hits in four years, between 1938 and 1942, than anyone in history. By March 1942 he had sold over six million 78rpm copies. But it was his hit Chattanooga Choo Choo, recorded May 7, 1941, that became the first “Gold Record.” Consequently, in 1942, RCA moved Glenn Miller from its Bluebird label to their Victor label. In conclusion, On the Record vividly documents, with mint audio quality, informative descriptions and descriptive images, the important history and legacy of Glenn Miller’s recording sessions.
LISTEN TO THE RECORDS
Just click the links below to listen, learn, and enjoy:
APRIL 28, 1940
“Pennsylvania 6-5000”
02
MAY 7, 1941
“Chattanooga Choo Choo”
03
MAY 28, 1941
“Take the ‘A’ Train”
04
NOVEMBER 3, 1941
