It's been almost 66 years since the immortal Glenn Miller disappeared just before Christmas on December 15, 1944. His Orchestra, in the too-short run under his personal leadership, had recorded only one Christmas song (\"Jingle Bells\", October 20, 1941). Dedicated fans around the world are certain that, had he lived through World War II, he would have recorded a complete album of the best-loved music of the holiday season. The idea for a Christmas album was planted on the Glenn Miller Orchestra bus in the late 1960s. Dale Thompson and Richy Barz, then members of the road band (Buddy DeFranco was the leader), were sitting next to each other. As often happened, the conversation got around to \"What-do-you-think-Glenn-would-be-recording-now-if-he-was-still-around?\" stage. One or the other sputtered, \"How about an album of Christmas songs?\" It didn't happen then, but two decades later, Richard Wilhoyte, one of the hordes of Glenn Miller buffs around the world, heard about it all from Dale. His instant reaction: \"Let's do it...now!\" A list of desirable players was drawn up. There were a few requisites -- musicians had to be working currently, only alumni of the Glenn Miller Orchestra would be recruited, each individual had to have recognized and outstanding talent, each veteran had to be able to take a leave-of-absence from his current \"gig\" and, of course, be available to come to New York to record. The final lineup of musicians totaled more than 102 years of experience ...
The Glenn Miller Orchestra was originally formed in 1938 by Glenn Miller. It was arranged around a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. Miller had already formed one band before this in 1936, but dissolved it as he considered it too similar to other bands of the era.
The new band became very popular and recorded a number of chart successes among these were the ever-popular, \"Moonlight Serenade\", \"In the Mood\", \"Tuxedo Junction\", \"Chattanooga Choo Choo\" and \"(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo.\"
After the disappearance (and presumed death) of Miller in 1944, the band was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. A few years later, the Miller estate, having parted ways with Beneke, hired Ray McKinley, principal drummer in Miller's Army Air Force band, to organize a new \"ghost band\" in 1956.
Hollywood contributed to the band's popularity and that of its founder and original members with the 1953 release of The Glenn Miller Story on the big screen. The band garnered award nominations and box office success, as well as top hit status for its soundtrack album in 1954.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra continued to record and perform under various leaders starting in 1956 and is still touring today. Singer Nick Hilscher became the director of the touring band in 2012, replacing previous director Gary Tole. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Miller_Orchestra
Album: Soundtrack is 'Sleigh Ride' by the Glenn Miller Orchestra from the CD 'In The Christmas Mood'.
In the Christmas Mood features the Glenn Miller Orchestra performing a variety of holiday favorites. Featured performances include \"Sleigh Ride,\" \"Silver Bells,\" \"Jingle Bells,\" and \"Frosty the Snowman,\" in addition to 35 others. This is a lengthy album, spanning the distance of three discs. The third disc is noteworthy because it features an extended rendition of \"Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.\"
\"Glenn Miller Orchestra-Sleigh Ride\", sound recording administered by:
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