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| Maj Glenn Miller/wikipedia.com |
The music of Big Band in America may have found its origins after World War I with Jazz and Swing. But after the stock market crash of 1929, it rose in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II with such composers as Duke Ellington, Tom Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman.
[reference: The Big Band Era - Or How America came out of the Great Depression and Went on to Win World War II ]
Salute to Major Glenn Miller
One of the most memorable musicians of the World War II generation was Glenn Miller. In 1942, Glenn Miller had enlisted in the Army and later transferred to the Army Air Force. There, he headed up the US Army Air Force Band and boosted the morale of the troops with his music during the war.
In August 1944, Captain Miller had been promoted to the rank of major. Sadly, Major Miller's military flight from London to Paris disappeared on December 15, 1944. His death remains a mystery as neither his body nor the plane had been found. But as thousands of other men, he gave his life serving his country.
[reference: Glenn Miller Biography ]
And 70+ years later during the Holiday Season....
In the spirit of Big Band music, the USAF Band, Washington DC, dance troupe from New York City put on this show, as described in the comments:
A special holiday musical presentation from Union Station in Washington, DC celebrating the service and sacrifices of our nation's World War II veterans and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.
(reference: https://youtu.be/khQN5ylb3H0 )
Timeless music?
The Glenn Miller Orchestra and Big Band are still going strong into the 21st century. The music is even popular in SciFi, as shown in this scene below from Doctor Who: The Doctor Dances (2006):
(reference: https://youtu.be/V3REt-MDaa4?list=PL127E18DF32919759 )
Recognize the song? Glenn Miller's In the Mood (1939)
As the Holiday Season passes for 2015
and we enter 2016,
and we enter 2016,
may you dance into
a Blessed New Year!
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Previous Posts in the series:
Nostalgia (part 1) - A Father's Thanksgiving Prayer (2014)
Nostalgia (part 2) - Christmas Past in War and Peace (2014)
Nostalgia (part 3) - Something Old, Something New (2014)
Nostalgia (part 4) - VJ Day Kiss - 70 years ago (2015)
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photo from: Maj Glenn Miller/wikipedia.com
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