Glenn_Miller_Orchestra_(1956–present)

Glenn Miller Orchestra (1956–present)

Glenn Miller Orchestra (1956–present)

American jazz ensemble named after Glenn Miller and his band

The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a band formed after the loss of Glenn Miller, named in memory of him and the original Glenn Miller Orchestra.

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History

1947 revival

There was a short revival of a band named Glenn Miller Orchestra in the 1940s.

Glenn Miller broke up the original Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1942 to join the United States Army Air Forces and lead the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra. Miller died in 1944. in 1946, Miller's widow had a new band formed under the name Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by Miller's saxophonist and vocalist Tex Beneke.[1][2]

Many members of Miller's Army Air Forces Orchestra joined the band, which until 1948 featured a large string section as had Miller's Army Air Forces band (but unlike the original Glenn Miller Orchestra). The band was successful, but Beneke didn't like having to follow Miller's old arrangements precisely. The Miller estate wanted a band that was primarily associated with Glenn Miller, playing the Glenn Miller songs in the "Glenn Miller style." By 1950, Beneke and the Miller estate parted ways and the band dissolved.[3][4] Beneke formed his own band, "Tex Beneke and His Orchestra: Playing the Music Made Famous by Glenn Miller"[5][2]

1956 and on

There was a second revival of the name Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1956, which has continued well into the 21st century. It is this version with which this article is primarily concerned.

After the release of the successful film The Glenn Miller Story, Miller's widow invited Ray McKinley, who had assumed leadership of the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra 1945, to lead a new Glenn Miller Orchestra. McKinley recruited Will Bradley as featured trombonist, and they remained with the Miller band until 1966.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra has recorded and performed under various leaders, from 1956 to this day. Clarinetist Buddy DeFranco became the musical director in 1966.[6]

Larry O'Brien served as director of the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra from 1981 to 1983 and from 1988 to 2010.[7]

Singer Nick Hilscher became the director of the touring band in 2012, replacing previous director Gary Tole. Saxophonist/vocalist Erik Stabnau became music director in August 2021.

The Glenn Miller estate has authorized other bands to perform as "The Glenn Miller Orchestra" internationally. These groups are based in England, Europe, and Scandinavia.

Members of the American band

Current as of 2022[8]

  • Erik Stabnau – Music Director / Vocalist / Tenor Saxophone
  • Jenny Swoish – Female Vocalist
  • Kevin Sheehan – Lead Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Arranger
  • Gary Meggs – 2nd Alto Saxophone, Clarinet
  • Allen Cordingley – Tenor Saxophone 1, Clarinet, Flute
  • Justin Williams – Tenor Saxophone 2, Clarinet, flute
  • Noah Barrios – Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute
  • Ashley Hall – Lead Trumpet
  • Matthew Gates – Split Lead /2nd Trumpet
  • Joe Young IV – Jazz/3rd Trumpet
  • George Reinert III – Lead Trombone
  • Dave Ashley – 2nd Trombone
  • Jason Bennett – 3rd Trombone
  • Gil Scott Chapman – Piano/Sound Tech
  • Dean Schweiger – Drums
  • Charlie Himel – Upright Bass

Discography

Albums

References

  1. [1]
    "Tex Beneke, 86, a Leader of Glenn Miller's Band". New York Times. Associated Press. May 31, 2000. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  2. [2]
    All About Jazz. "Tex Beneke". Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  3. [3]
    Simon. – p.439.
  4. [4]
    George Simon in Glenn Miller and His Orchestra says it happened in Connecticut in December 1950. Simon. – p.439.
    —Beneke says it happened after an engagement at the Hollywood Palladium. – Hall. – p.191.
  5. [5]
    "Tex Beneke". American Music Research Center, University of Colorado at Boulder. May 3, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  6. [6]
    "Buddy DeFranco". glennmillerorchestra.com. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  7. [7]
    "Larry O'Brien". glennmillerorchestra.com. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  8. [8]
    "Personnel". Glenn Miller Orchestra. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  9. [9]
    "The Glenn Miller Orchestra - in the Digital Mood". Discogs. 1983.
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