MUSIC IN THE MILLER MOOD
Tex Beneke was a popular American bandleader, saxophonist, and singer. Gordon Lee Beneke (1914-2000) is best known as leader of the postwar Glenn Miller Orchestra, which became Tex Beneke and his Orchestra. Moreover, from 1938 to 1942, he was prominent with Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. Miller emphasized the Fort Worth, Texas native as his lead saxophone soloist and as an engaging vocalist. He sang duets with Miller’s female singers Marion Hutton, Paula Kelly and Dorothy Claire and soloed as an engaging blues singer. Teamed with the Modernaires, Tex was featured on many best-selling hits, including Chattanooga Choo Choo and I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo. Furthermore, he appeared in Miller’s 20th Century Fox films Sun Valley Serenade and Orchestra Wives. However, when Miller disbanded to join the Army in September 1942, Beneke soon joined the Navy. Consequently, as a Chief Petty Officer, he led a high-profile Navy band.
Engaging and Dynamic Bandleader
When World War II ended, Major Glenn Miller did not return. Tex became the director of the postwar Glenn Miller Orchestra. Firstly, to establish the band, Tex and the Miller Estate shrewdly used Miller’s name and music library to become established. They achieved great popularity and financial success during the immediate postwar years. However, soon the band became Tex Beneke and his Orchestra. The dynamic group moved beyond the original Miller style, propelled by the creative arrangements of Henry Mancini and Norman Leyden. Eventually, Tex and the Miller Estate parted ways in December 1950. Tex continued as a beloved fan favorite with “music in the Miller Mood” for the remainder of the century. In conclusion, here is the detailed history of the 1946-1950 band and a summary of their music, recordings, and broadcasts: