Glenn Miller (1904–1944) was an American trombone player, composer, and leader of a famous big band. From 1939 to 1942 his group, Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, was the most popular recording band in the United States. They had a smooth sound, with clarinet leading the saxophones. Their biggest hits included “Moonlight Serenade”, “In the Mood”, and “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, the first gold record.

Miller played trombone in school bands, left university to follow music, and spent years touring and arranging for other groups. He then formed his own orchestra, became a radio star, and appeared in Hollywood films.

In 1942, at the height of his fame, Miller joined the US Army Air Forces to entertain troops during the Second World War. He created a military orchestra that helped shape modern US service bands.

On 15 December 1944, flying from England to France, Miller’s plane disappeared over the English Channel. He was declared dead a year later, but his tunes still make people want to dance and smile today