Glenn Miller & His Orchestra (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

by George T. Simon (Author) "Late one cold and wet evening in an attic room of an old house in Bedford, England, fifty miles north of London, Major Glenn Miller..." (more)
Key Phrases: civilian band, orchestra wives, lead trumpeter, Glenn Miller, New York, Tommy Dorsey (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Moonlight Serenade, Sunrise Serenade, Little Brown Jug, In the Mood... These and other memorable tunes endeared Glenn Miller to millions in the Swing Era and all who recall those times. After playing trombone and arranging for leading orchestras of the Dorsey brothers, Ray Noble, Ben Pollack, and Red Nichols, Glenn Miller formed his own "sweet" band, which from 1938 to 1942 achieved widespread popularity second only to Benny Goodman's. Miller learned all he could from these and other bands like Jimmie Lunceford's and Artie Shaw's, going on to create a uniquely rich sound with clarinet over four saxes and four trombones ("three-part harmony sounds too thin," he once exclaimed). Simon tells of both the successes and hard times of Miller's illustrious career, up to his celebrated Army Air Force band and his untimely death.

About the Author

George T. Simion, author of The Big Bands and Simon Says: The Sights and Sound of the Swing Era, helped Glenn Miller organize his first band, played drums in it, and fostered Miller's reputation through his writing for Metronome, New York Herald Tribune, and other leading publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 21, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306801299
• ISBN-13: 978-0306801297
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,000,982 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Glenn Miller, July 11, 2003

By	G. Smith (Huntington Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've always loved the music of Glenn Miller. Especially being a swing dancer. What makes this book so great is Mr. Simon was there with Glenn and the orchestra, pitching in on drums for backup, and involved in every aspect. He was associated with Glenn during those great years of the Big Bands. His personal way of talking to the reader makes you feel like you were there, too. You become intimately involved in his life, through scores of wonderul photos, diary entries, and interviews with others who knew Glenn well. You also are introduced to many of the band members. After reading this book, I feel like I know not just Glenn, but Marion Hutton, Trigger Alpert, and all the other wonderful musicians who made the most wonderful music in the history of the world.

I used to wish I could travel back in time to the swing era, and witness bands like Glenn Miller's live. Now, after reading this book, I feel like I have.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Enjoyable Biography-A Must-Have for Big Band Fans, May 22, 2005

By	Amateur Historian "who knows?" (Jonesboro, AR USA) - See all my reviews

During the 1970's some of the liner notes of re-issued Glenn Miller music engaged in a good bit of "Miller Bashing." It seemed like it was fashionable to find anyone who had ever been disgruntled about working for Glenn and interview them. That was in direct contrast to the syrupy portrayal of Glenn in the movie "The Glenn Miller Story" (which is still very enjoyable with all of it's inaccuracies). George T.'s biography of Miller stands out as a beacon of accuracy in a sea of extremist hyperbole.

Simon and Miller were friends before and during the peak of Miller's popularity. Simon even recorded with Miller on a few Decca sides before Glenn formed a band with stable personnel; and Simon was one of the section drummers in Miller's Army Air Force Band during WWII. However, George did not go to England, but remained behind to head up the V-Disc recording program. I say all this by way of giving the author's impeccable credentials. Simon was the best man for the job.

This biography is balanced, fact filled, and completely enjoyable. While Simon clearly likes Miller, he doesn't mind mentioning a couple of times when they experienced rough spots in their friendship. Simon is able to use his relationship with Miller to paint an intimate picture of Glenn Miller the man, as well as GM the musician.

This book works on a number of levels, and is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about the Big Band Era. Thank goodness it is still in print.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In print since 1974, November 8, 2008

By	40s50sfan "40s50sfan" (San Antonio, Texas) - See all my reviews

I think it says something that this book has been in print since 1974. Simon doesn't back away from saying anything negative about his friend Glenn Miller and praises him and also reprints some not so very flattering things about him, in this biography-memoir. For a very long time this book has usefully served as the main reference for people who want to know more about Glenn Miller.