How Are Jazz and Memorial Day Connected?

You might know that Memorial Day is a federal holiday that was established to remember and honor members of the U.S. armed forces who died while serving. But you might not know that Glenn Miller, legendary jazz bandleader, arranger, and trombone player, lost his life in an airplane accident while serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra was among the most popular and successful big bands when Miller enlisted in 1942 at age 38. In January 1943, Miller became Director of Bands for the Army Air Force Technical Training Command. He selected personnel for various AAF bands across the U.S. and recruited others for an elite orchestra. Two AAF orchestra units were established to record and broadcast radio shows from Hollywood, California, and New York City, with Miller leading the New York unit. Its members included musicians from leading jazz bands and symphony orchestras. Big Band music was the soundtrack of that era, and Glenn Miller was an inspiration to his fellow troops and the American people during the war.

In May 1944, before the D-Day invasion, General Dwight D. Eisenhower asked that Miller’s AAF unit be transferred to Europe to establish a combined allied radio broadcasting service. In July that same year, Miller and his 51-piece orchestra began broadcasting musical programs over the radio, under the supervision of the BBC. The orchestra also performed for the Voice of America’s European unit and made appearances, mainly at U.S. military bases. In late 1944, Miller and his commanding officer decided to relocate the orchestra from England to France. Miller hoped to arrive there ahead of his orchestra. He boarded a small military plane on December 15, and was reported as missing three days later. His body was never recovered.

Glenn Miller was awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously in February 1945. A memorial headstone for the famed musician was placed in Arlington National Cemetery almost 50 years after his death. Miller’s music remains wildly popular even today, and even had three recordings posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings that are at least 25 years old and that have “qualitative or historical significance.” Those works were “Moonlight Serenade”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, and “In the Mood”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vOUYry_5Nw

Other famous jazz musicians who served during World War II include Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennett, and John Coltrane. Brubeck was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1942. He trained as a sharpshooter and was sent to France aboard the SS George Washington troopship. He was supposed to join General George Patton’s Third Army, but fate intervened when some visitors from the Red Cross arrived at the base. Brubeck offered to entertain the visitors by playing piano and the commander was so impressed with his talent that he asked the young pianist to stay behind and entertain the troops. Brubeck formed a band called the Wolf Pack, which eventually had 18 members. Some of the musicians had seen combat and been awarded the Purple Heart. Unlike most of the military bands during that era, the Wolf Pack Band was integrated. Brubeck met alto saxophonist Paul Desmond in 1944, and the two musicians were reunited after the war, when Desmond became a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

If you like the Big Band style of jazz music, be sure to check out Night is Alive’s diverse set of albums. World-class jazz musicians perform your favorite classics as well as new compositions that hearken back to that standard swing style in a refreshing way. My Ship in particular includes nine contrasting tracks that each convey their own unique emotion.

To all veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, thank you for your service.

Who Was Oliver Nelson? – A Look at a Great Jazz Saxophone Player’s Life

Oliver Nelson might not have been among the jazz world’s most famous saxophone players, but he made a huge impact during his short career. Read on to learn more about this jazz legend.

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Listen to Jazz Musicians, The Willie Jones III All-Stars on St. Louis Public Radio’s Jazz Unlimited

Looking for New Music from The Willie Jones III All-Stars? Hear the latest from these famous jazz musicians on the November 24th episode of Jazz Unlimited. Learn more about it on our blog.

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Five Ways to Stay Calm and Happy This Holiday Season

The holiday season emphasizes peace, love, and joy, but stress and anxiety can sneak uninvited among the celebrations with our families and loved ones. With political tensions, overcrowded terminals, family disputes, gift-giving pressures, and expectations for perfection, we can easily lose sight of what the holidays should be about. To help set positive intentions this season, here is a list of five simple things you can do to keep yourself calm and happy through the busy weeks ahead.

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A Day in the Life of a Famous Jazz Drummer

When he left behind his hometown of Los Angeles in 1997 and moved to New York City, Willie Jones III knew it wouldn’t be easy to make his living as a jazz musician. Now, over ten years later, he has become one of the jazz capital’s best drummers.

The New York Times published an article on November 10, 2019 featuring Jones and exploring what a typical Sunday looks like for the busy jazz musician.

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Donny Hathaway: Smooth Command

Donny Hathaway’s life was tragically short, but in his 33 years on earth, he was able to leave a sound and feel to his music that is still revered today.  Like many great musicians, Hathaway got his music start in the church. Raised in St Louis and Chicago, he began singing in the choir and studying piano at a very young age.  He would later attend Howard University to further his jazz studies. 

 Hathaway began working professionally in the music business as a producer, arranger, and a session musician in the early days.  He was a talented pianist and worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Jerry Butler, and the Staple Singers before he started his singing career.  Hathaway’s experience working with such talented people set him up for his own success. Hathaway released his first studio album in 1970 titled “Everything Is Everything.”  The album received excellent reviews and put Hathaway in the center of the music scene.  

Hathaway had a smooth, gospel-inspired voice.   His strong command of the music resonated with audiences, and he gained in popularity after the release of his first album.  Two years later he would begin a collaboration that would last for a decade with Roberta Flack. The two recorded many times together and released their first duet album in 1972 titled “Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway.”  The album was a smash hit and was certified Gold. Another collaboration in 1978 titled, “The Closer I Get to You” would go on to be a number one track. Their last compilation was in 1980 with the release of “Roberta Flack Featuring Donny Hathaway” which was also certified Gold. 

The tragedy of Hathaway’s story is the difficulty he had working through his mental illness.  He was an incredible musician who had to wrestle with the strain of depression. His depression was enough to require hospitalization for extended periods during his life.  Hathaway ended his own life in 1979. He was only 33 years old. Donny Hathaway’s music still lives on and continues to influence R&B and jazz music today.