Glenn Miller is arguably the biggest big band leader of his era. He formed his first band as a senior in high school. The Glenn Miller Orchestra was the best selling recording band from 1939 to 1942.
Miller’s Midnight Serenade was the first gold record ever made. Other monster hits were Chattanooga Choo Choo, In the Mood, Pennsylvania 6-5000, I’ve got a girl in Kalamazoo.
In four years, Miller had 16 number one hits and 69 hit the top of the charts, that is more than Elvis Presley and the Beatles.
In 1942, Miller volunteered to enter the Armed Forces to entertain the troops during World War 2. He is considered to be the father of modern military bands.
