Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
Glenn Miller put a whole nation "In the Mood." He led the most successful big band of the Swing era -- not a bad accomplishment, considering that a strong sense of swing was the only thing this trombonist lacked. He corralled a wonderful group of musicians and arrangers and had hit after hit during the War years; and while the era of bobby soxers and rationing may be over, "Moonlight Serenade," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," and the evergreen "In the Mood" have been embraced by the new generation of lindy hoppers. Miller died when his plane was shot down over the English Channel, but his band continues in one form or another to this day. Critics still debate whether Miller was a jazz musician or not, but few ever questions how good he was.
