The Glenn Miller Band Reunion
The Glenn Miller Band Reunion features original members of Miller's bands, the famed civilian one based in New York City and the specialty group he put together briefly for the Army Air Corps. The trombonist/band-leader was killed during World War II when his plane mysteriously disappeared crossing the English Channel. Jack Jones is the host, singing solo and with the other guests, 1950's recording artist Kay Starr and Los Angeles based jazz vocal group String of Pearls. Choreographer Lester Wilson created energetic nouveau jitterbugs to accompany and enhance the featured instrumentals. The music performed includes just about every Miller hit, from ''Moonlight Serenade,'' ''In the Mood,'' ''Chattanooga Choo Choo'' and ''Pennsylvania 6-5000'' to more obscure pieces like ''Love With a Capital U''. In between the live recorded musical numbers, there are biographical documentary segments, presented in the format of personal anecdotes from the original musicians themselves. Recalled are the 15-minute radio programs the band performed three times a week for Chesterfield cigarettes. There are clips from home movies made during the production of the film ''Sun Valley Serenade.'' There are several rare appearances from the unsung heroes of the golden age of the Big Band era, not only performing in the live recorded orchestra but in several of the documentary styled clips. Notably musicologist Paul Tanner and Conductor/Arranger of Sinatra fame Billy May, trombonist Zeke Zarchy, saxophonist Willie Schwartz and Air Force Band drummer Ray McKinley who also performs lead vocals in lieu of Tex Beneke.
- Released
- 1989
- Country
- United States
Details
Release year: 1989
Storyline
The Glenn Miller Band Reunion features original members of Miller's bands, the famed civilian one based in New York City and the specialty group he put together briefly for the Army Air Corps. The trombonist/band-leader was killed during World War II when his plane mysteriously disappeared crossing the English Channel. Jack Jones is the host, singing solo and with the other guests, 1950's recording artist Kay Starr and Los Angeles based jazz vocal group String of Pearls. Choreographer Lester Wilson created energetic nouveau jitterbugs to accompany and enhance the featured instrumentals. The music performed includes just about every Miller hit, from ''Moonlight Serenade,'' ''In the Mood,'' ''Chattanooga Choo Choo'' and ''Pennsylvania 6-5000'' to more obscure pieces like ''Love With a Capital U''. In between the live recorded musical numbers, there are biographical documentary segments, presented in the format of personal anecdotes from the original musicians themselves. Recalled are the 15-minute radio programs the band performed three times a week for Chesterfield cigarettes. There are clips from home movies made during the production of the film ''Sun Valley Serenade.'' There are several rare appearances from the unsung heroes of the golden age of the Big Band era, not only performing in the live recorded orchestra but in several of the documentary styled clips. Notably musicologist Paul Tanner and Conductor/Arranger of Sinatra fame Billy May, trombonist Zeke Zarchy, saxophonist Willie Schwartz and Air Force Band drummer Ray McKinley who also performs lead vocals in lieu of Tex Beneke.
Top credits
- Warren Adams — Self - Featured Vocalist
- Perry Hart — Self - Featured Vocalist
- Katheryne High — Self - Featured Vocalist
Jack Jones — Self - Host
Awards
0 wins & 2 nominations
See all awards →Did you know
• Jazz Vocal Group "STRING OF PEARLS" was discovered by PBS Producer Sam Paul while performing at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's famous Cinegrill. The three member group with Warren Adams, Perry Hart & Katheryne High were asked to re-create original Glenn Miller vocal group Modernaires recordings for the show and in an effort to be as authentic as possible they invited in jazz recording artist John Vance as the "fourth Pearl" for this one time only event. The group makes one appearance in the show as a trio performing an original jazz vocalese of the song "A String of Pearls" with lyrics written by Marilee Bradford.
• Host Jack Jones was known to congenially joke and parody himself backstage, singing novelty lyrics to his own hit recordings. One such spoof of the song "Wives and Lovers" was his parody lyric "Hey little boy, comb your hair, get your teeth fixed..."
• Famous Sinatra Era arranger and instrumentalist Billy May makes a rare appearance on camera as the Conductor of the Reunion Band. Mr. May's own archives provided much of the original orchestrations and literature played by the orchestra and sung by the guest artists.
Technical specs
- Sound mix
- Stereo
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
- Color
- Color