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Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey
A double-barreled blast from the past brings together two of the Swing Era’s most beloved orchestras in an affectionate—but fiercely contested—battle of the bands. Trombonist Glenn Miller led the most popular orchestra of World War II until his death in a plane crash in December 1944. The Miller family re-formed the band in 1956, and it’s been on the road ever since preserving the sweet swing sound exemplified by smash hits like “In The Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade” and “Tuxedo Junction.”
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra has carried on the great legacy of the Sentimental Gentleman of Swing since the trombonist’s death in 1956, a legacy that includes launching the career of Frank Sinatra. The Dorsey and Miller orchestras first faced off at last year’s Montreal International Jazz Festival. For the highly anticipated rematch the two bands will share the stage, fighting it out for top honors with their enduring repertoires.
“A 1930s-style ‘music battle’ between two of the world’s most prestigious big bands.”
—Up Magazine
Glenn Miller helped brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey put together their Dorsey Brothers Orchestra: picking musicians, writing arrangements and playing trombone. Dorsey helped underwrite Miller’s fledgling band, expecting he’d get a major return when the band struck it big. Miller refused—he had already paid off the loan in full— prompting Dorsey to finance a new band and hire arrangers to duplicate Miller’s trademark sound. Miller remained as popular as ever.