The Evolution of Glenn Miller's Legacy: Post-World War II Conductors and Orchestras
Introduction
The Glenn Miller Orchestra, one of the most popular big bands of the 1930s and 1940s, suffered a significant loss in World War II when its conductor, Major Glenn Miller, went missing. This article delves into the details of who took over after Miller’s death, the subsequent orchestras that emerged, and their overall impact on the band's legacy.
Who Took Over After Miller's Death
Upon Miller's disappearance, the Glenn Miller Orchestra was initially managed by Jerry Gray and Ray McKinley. Jerry Gray handled the full orchestra, and Ray McKinley managed the dance-band subset. Gray took over full conducting duties and led the remaining orchestra members until November 1945.
Milner's Estate, along with Helen Miller, saw the potential to revive the Glenn Miller name and addressed the musicians about forming a successor orchestra. They approached Ray McKinley, but he opted to form his own band. This left Jerry Gray as the next best candidate to lead the orchestra. However, the Estate felt that Gray lacked the 'pop-star presence' that Mac Miller possessed, leading to Tex Beneke being chosen as the conductor. Tex Beneke, who played the lead tenor sax, was chosen due to his deep understanding of the "Miller Sound."
The Glenn Miller Orchestra Directed by Tex Beneke
Tex Beneke's tenure as the conductor of the Glenn Miller Orchestra began in early 1946. The new orchestra was a smaller version of the AAF Orchestra, with about 31 members, a significant reduction from the original band. Notable among the new members was the young pianist and arranger Henry Mancini.
Despite the reconfiguration, the new orchestra experienced great success, even outdrawing the original civilian band on several occasions. However, the relationship between Beneke and the Estate was fraught with tension. Beneke was the music director but not the true leader, and most decisions about the band were made by executives within the Estate. The Estate insisted that the band adhere closely to the original Miller format, a stance that Beneke found stifling given Glenn Miller's musical evolution before his disappearance.
A major turning point occurred in 1950, mid-concert, when representatives of the Estate seized the band's scores and fired Beneke. Following this debacle, the official Glenn Miller Orchestra ceased to exist, but Tex Beneke, Jerry Gray, and others continued to perform in the Miller style without any official connection.
Post-World War II Successors and Their Impact
The Estate attempted to revitalize the Glenn Miller name by briefly reassembling the band under Ray McKinley in 1956. McKinley had a bit more control musically and expanded the band's repertoire to include his own hits and string-less versions of popular AAF tunes. Over the following decades, the Estate continued to license and even form new bands around the world.
As of today, the direct successor of the Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to perform about 200 concerts annually in North America. Additionally, the Estate licenses three other “official” Miller bands: one in the UK, one in the central EU, and another in Scandinavia. The Scandinavian edition is unique in its ability to frequently perform with a full string section, allowing fans to experience the original AAF arrangements in all their glory.
Conclusion
The aftermath of Glenn Miller's death saw the creation of various orchestras and bands who attempted to uphold his legacy. While each had its unique challenges, they all contributed to the enduring popularity of Miller's music, ensuring that his contributions to American music continue to be celebrated.