The first Glenn Miller Orchestra didn’t make it at all. It was a total and absolute failure. But Glenn knew what he wanted, held to that dedication and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his second band the one that lives today-in March of 1938 (The same year the River Raisin Centre was built as the Dennison Theater.) It’s been a “hit” ever since. The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all the dance band leaders back in the Swing era of the 1930s and ‘40s and they are bringing their greatness to the RRCA stage with new music director/lead male vocalist Nick Hilscher on October 11 at 7:30 pm. This show is generously sponsored by Floral City Beverage. Tickets are $29 for adults, $26 for seniors, and $15 for students and children. They are now on sale by calling our box office at (734)-242-7722, stopping by the RRCA at 114 South Monroe Street, or by visiting our website at www.riverraisincentre.org.
A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts, and the drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilions built and sustained the momentum of popularity. Glenn disbanded his musical organization in 1942, at the height of its popularity, volunteered for the Army and then organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain servicemen, and then, on December 15, 1944, Major Miller took off in a single-engine plane from England to precede his band to France, never to be seen again. The army declared him officially dead a year later.
Due to the popular demand, the Miller Estate authorized the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1956 under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley, who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Glenn’s disappearance. Since then, other leaders have followed Ray including clarinetists Buddy DeFranco and Peanuts Huncko, trombonists Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, Larry O’Brien, tenor saxophonist Dick Gerhart and now lead male vocalist Nick Hilscher.
The 19-member band continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements that keep exciting fans. Additionally they are also playing more modern selections in the big-band style, carefully selecting only those newer tunes that lend themselves naturally to the Miller style and sound, pieces that will stay around for a while. The entire repertoire which now exceeds 1,700 compositions keeps the band popular with both young and old. Don’t miss out on the Glenn Miller Orchestra as they swing into Monroe on Friday, October 11 at 7:30 pm.
