Glenn Miller Advertising Postcard
Glenn Miller was a musician, arranger, and composer, and led one of the best known big bands in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Born Alton Glenn Miller on March 1, 1904 in Clarinda, Iowa, he developed an interest in music while in high school. After deciding to make music his career, he worked as a freelance musician and arranger for other bands. In 1937, he organized his own band, but the band ran into financial difficulties and had to fold. He started up a second band the next year, after he decided to differentiate his band from others by creating a unique sound. The band was fortunate enough to land engagements at the Meadowbrook Ballroom in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and at the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York. Because these venues featured frequent radio broadcasts, it provided Glenn Miller’s band the exposure they needed to develop a nationwide following.
Glenn Miller and his Orchestra became of one of the most in demand groups of the time, and had record-breaking record sales, as well as appearing in motion pictures.
After the United States entered World War II, Glenn Miller decided to join the military in order to better serve the war effort. He was at the height of his career, and was generating income in the realm of $15,000 to- $20,000 per week, so his decision to sacrifice such financial success speaks a great deal to his degree of patriotism.
Even though he was too old to be drafted, he first attempted to volunteer for the Navy, but was declined. He then wrote to Army Brigadier General Charles Young, expressing his desire to join so that he could “put a little more spring into the feet of our marching men and a little more joy into their hearts”. He was commissioned into the Army with the rank of Captain, and was tasked with building morale by bringing a touch of home to the troops with his music. He created his own 50-member band and played modernized military music as well as his own civilian arrangements. He was also active in fund raising, and generated millions of dollars in war bond drives.
On December 15, 1944, he boarded a single engine Norseman aircraft in Bedford, England to make a short flight across the English Channel to Paris in order to make advance arrangements for the band for a Christmas broadcast. The plane never arrived in Paris, and was never located. Glenn Miller was officially listed as missing in action.
Glenn Miller’s legacy continues to this day, with bands continuing to play his songs and trying to emulate his distinctive sound. Even more admirable than his music accomplishments was his demonstrated patriotism for his country.
The item in my collection is a vintage 1940s advertising postcard from Victor Records depicting Glenn Miller.
Glenn Miller and his Orchestra became of one of the most in demand groups of the time, and had record-breaking record sales, as well as appearing in motion pictures.
After the United States entered World War II, Glenn Miller decided to join the military in order to better serve the war effort. He was at the height of his career, and was generating income in the realm of $15,000 to- $20,000 per week, so his decision to sacrifice such financial success speaks a great deal to his degree of patriotism.
Even though he was too old to be drafted, he first attempted to volunteer for the Navy, but was declined. He then wrote to Army Brigadier General Charles Young, expressing his desire to join so that he could “put a little more spring into the feet of our marching men and a little more joy into their hearts”. He was commissioned into the Army with the rank of Captain, and was tasked with building morale by bringing a touch of home to the troops with his music. He created his own 50-member band and played modernized military music as well as his own civilian arrangements. He was also active in fund raising, and generated millions of dollars in war bond drives.
On December 15, 1944, he boarded a single engine Norseman aircraft in Bedford, England to make a short flight across the English Channel to Paris in order to make advance arrangements for the band for a Christmas broadcast. The plane never arrived in Paris, and was never located. Glenn Miller was officially listed as missing in action.
Glenn Miller’s legacy continues to this day, with bands continuing to play his songs and trying to emulate his distinctive sound. Even more admirable than his music accomplishments was his demonstrated patriotism for his country.
The item in my collection is a vintage 1940s advertising postcard from Victor Records depicting Glenn Miller.
