The World Famous
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
Tonight’s song selections will be announced from the stage.
Alton Glenn Miller was born in Clarinda, Iowa on March 1, 1904. In 1923, he entered the University of Colorado, and spent more time traveling to auditions playing trombone whenever he could. After flunking three of his five courses in one semester, Glenn dropped out to concentrate on his career as a professional musician.
He toured with several orchestras and landed a spot in Ben Pollack’s group, which included a guy named Benny Goodman. Arriving in New York City, he soon sent for, and married his college sweetheart, Helen Burger in 1928, and for the next three years,
earned his living as a free-lance trombonist and arranger.
In April 1935, Glenn Miller recorded, for the first time, under his own name. Using six horns, a rhythm section and a string quartet, he recorded “Moonlight on the Ganges” and “A Blues Serenade” for Columbia. His instrumental ‘Solo Hop’ reached the Top 10.
Formed in March 1938, the second Glenn Miller Orchestra soon began breaking attendance records all up and down the East Coast. At the New York State Fair in Syracuse, they attracted the largest dancing crowd in the city’s history. The next night they topped Guy Lombardo’s record at the Hershey Park Ballroom in Pennsylvania. The Orchestra was invited by ASCAP to perform at Carnegie Hall with three of the greatest bands ever — Paul Whiteman, Fred Waring and Benny Goodman — and created more of a sensation than any of them.
Selected Top 10 Hits include:
‘Sunrise Serenade’; ‘Moonlight Serenade’; ‘Wishing ’; ‘ That Old Black Magic’
‘Tuxedo Junction’ sold 115,000 copies in the first week. ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000? ‘Careless’, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’, ‘Imagination’, ‘Fools Rush In’, and ‘Blueberry Hill’;
‘The Woodpecker Song’. ‘Careless’, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’, and ‘Imagination’.
Welcome Back!
A very special thank you is due to the Englewood Methodist Church for reviving the Englewood Performing Arts Series. Founded in the spring of 1982, EPAS became a very successful and popularentertainment organization. A pandemic and hurricane stopped performances. With your continued support, Englewood area residents can once again experience the joys of quality live entertainment.
Future Concerts
Friday, February 9, 2024 – 7:00 PM
The String Queens
Friday, March 8, 2024 – 7:00 PM
The HillBenders
More info at: englewoodmethodist.com