Alton Glenn Miller: The King Of The Swing Era

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In the midst of a detrimental downfall caused by the Great Depression, the Swing Era emerged providing an opportunity for escape and restoration in America. This new and energizing musical movement uplifted the spirits of individuals and in addition, helped America bounce back with a sudden increase in record sales. In the 1930’s the swing style became a nation craze. Individuals adopted new styles of dancing including the Lindy Hop and Shag to which they would perform to the lively tunes of Benny Goodman. Also known as the “King of Swing”, Goodman initiated the Swing Era in 1935 when he and his band partook in a live radiocast performance at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles. Very soon after, swing became the means of entertainment and theme music all over Hollywood. Although America was suddenly closing its book on the Great Depression, WWII was a sequel that quickly followed. American big band leader, composer and trombonist, Glenn Miller was the individual who inspired the World War II generation and boosted the morale of society with many of his swing style tunes.…show more content…
When he was about thirteen years old, his family moved to Grant City, Missouri where he would find himself purchasing his first trombone. Throughout his early years, Miller spent most of his time playing in town orchestras, creating small bands in high school and eventually leaving his college education at the University of Colorado at Boulder to become a professional musician. In 1927, Miller joined the well-known and respected orchestra of Ben Pollack in Los Angeles. Originally, he starred as the main trombonist of Pollack’s band, but approximately one year later the “Father of Jazz Trombone”, Jack Teagarden, took over his position. From then, Miller recognized that instead of being a professional musician, his future ultimately rested on composing

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