Keep 'Em Flying: A Salute To The Music Of Major Glenn Miller

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1. Keep 'Em Flying

  Prior to joining the Army, Glenn Miller was the leader of what was recognized as one of the most popular dance bands ever.  During the height of his career as a big band leader, Miller decided to join the service; he wanted to do "his part" to supper the war effort.  While extremely successful at improving morale with music, he was also instrumental in modernizing military band programs.  Miller joined the Army in the fall of 1942.  He was immediately reassigned to the Army Specialist Corps and after completing his training, he was reassigned again, this time to the Army Air Corps.  Miller began recruiting what was heralded as one of the finest collections of dance band musicians ever assembled, having taken many of the members from the ranks of his renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra.  This formidable group was to become known as the Major Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band.

  The Major Glenn Miller Army Air force Band first performed live concerts, radio and television shows for civilians and troops stateside.  During 1943-44 the band helped raise millions of dollars in war bonds, and aided in attracting new recruits to the service through the I Sustain the Wings weekly radio broadcasts.  In the summer of 1944, the band was reassigned to England which enabled them to take their music much closer to the troops serving on the front lines.  While in England, the band played over 800 performances -- 500 of those were broadcasts heard by millions of fans, including nearly one million Allied service members.  They all were treated to exciting performances by a band that featured talented musicians and an abundance of popular big band arrangements.

  When Glenn Miller joined the service, he brought with him a collection of popular dance hits: tunes like In the Mood, American Patrol, String of Pearls, his theme song Moonlight Serenade, and many more.  Because his music had reached the pinnacle of popularity with the American public, it's not surprising that Miller's popularity also resonated with the troops.  Many of the young men and women who had been "cutting the tug" to Miller's music stateside had suddenly found themselves supporting the war effort in the European Theatre.

  A tradition that began over six decades ago in the Army Air Forces with Major Glenn Miller and his music is alive and well today in The United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note.  What started as one man's noble pursuit grew into a musical phenomenon that lifted the spirits of America's troops.  Today's Airmen of Note consists of 18 dedicated musicians.  They are Airmen who are honored to serve in our nation's Air Force, now in its 60th year as an independent service.  The Air Force continues to lead the way by recognizing the challenges our nation has overcome, the limits we've redefined and the future we'll shape.  And just as Major Glenn Miller and his music did during World War II, we sincerely hope this music serves the same purpose not: to lift the spirits of those who serve.