Chattanooga Choo Choo: The Life and Times of the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

Rating:
Summary: Lovingly done history of the great Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Review: His success did not occur overnight. There were major setbacks along the way and at times Glenn Miller wondered if he would ever find "his sound". But in the spring of 1939 it finally happened! Glenn Miller and his Orchestra exploded onto the scene with appearances at the Meadowbrook in New Jersey and at the legendary Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, NY. Almost overnight they became a cultural phenomenon. In a book that took nearly five years to put together, Richard Grudens has gone to great lengths to recreate the flavor of that Golden Era. Wonderfully written (in nice large print) and generously sprinkled with dozens of fascinating photographs, "Chattanooga Choo Choo" is a must read for anyone who is a fan of or is curious about the Big Band Era. Grudens discusses the history of the Miller outfit from all kinds of different perspectives. In the course of writing this book the author interviewed musicians from the original Glenn Miller Orchestra as well as some of the vocalists and arrangers from those golden days. There are also memories from booking agents, record company executives and disc jockeys. Read transcripts from "live" radio broadcasts and enjoy many recollections of the two movies the band appeared in. And then there is speculation over what really might have happened to Capt. Glenn Miller on December 15, 1944.
But fortunately the story did not end on that fateful night. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, using all of Glenn's original charts, was reorganized in 1956. It continues to this day under the direction of Larry O'Brien. Grudens brings us up to date with information on the members of the current orchestra. Quite coincidentally, my wife and I were able to catch a performance of the Glenn Miller Orchestra this past weekend. It was an absolute joy to see them and much to my surprise there were a lot of youngsters in the audience. I was even able to get my copy of this book autographed by featured vocalists Julia Rich and Nick Hilscher. Order your copy of this book through amazon.com or by calling PENNSYLVANIA 6-5000.

Rating:
Summary: Lovingly done history of the great Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Review: His success did not occur overnight. There were major setbacks along the way and at times Glenn Miller wondered if he would ever find "his sound". But in the spring of 1939 it finally happened! Glenn Miller and his Orchestra exploded onto the scene with appearances at the Meadowbrook in New Jersey and at the legendary Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, NY. Almost overnight they became a cultural phenomenon. In a book that took nearly five years to put together, Richard Grudens has gone to great lengths to recreate the flavor of that Golden Era. Wonderfully written (in nice large print) and generously sprinkled with dozens of fascinating photographs, "Chattanooga Choo Choo" is a must read for anyone who is a fan of or is curious about the Big Band Era. Grudens discusses the history of the Miller outfit from all kinds of different perspectives. In the course of writing this book the author interviewed musicians from the original Glenn Miller Orchestra as well as some of the vocalists and arrangers from those golden days. There are also memories from booking agents, record company executives and disc jockeys. Read transcripts from "live" radio broadcasts and enjoy many recollections of the two movies the band appeared in. And then there is speculation over what really might have happened to Capt. Glenn Miller on December 15, 1944.
But fortunately the story did not end on that fateful night. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, using all of Glenn's original charts, was reorganized in 1956. It continues to this day under the direction of Larry O'Brien. Grudens brings us up to date with information on the members of the current orchestra. Quite coincidentally, my wife and I were able to catch a performance of the Glenn Miller Orchestra this past weekend. It was an absolute joy to see them and much to my surprise there were a lot of youngsters in the audience. I was even able to get my copy of this book autographed by featured vocalists Julia Rich and Nick Hilscher. Order your copy of this book through amazon.com or by calling PENNSYLVANIA 6-5000.

Rating:
Summary: The great Grudens has done it again !!!!
Review: I am a Glenn Miller enthusiast and I absolutely adore this book. It exemplifies what a biography should be. It straight to the point and all the facts are present. If you want to learn about Glenn Miller, then this must be the book you get a hold of. An absolute MUST READ !!

Rating:
Summary: Facts, trivia, and insider perspectives
Review: In honor of the 100th anniversary of Glenn Miller's life, and the 60th anniversary of his disappearance over the English Channel, music biographer Richard Grudens presents Chattanooga Choo Choo: The Life And Times Of The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, a collection of true stories, interviews, over 150 black-and-white photographs, and more all presenting the successes, failurs, ups and downs of the most popular musical organization in the American history of show business. Following Miller's legendary career up to his tragic loss, and then going on to relate viewpoints and stories from many associated musicians, songwriters, arrangers, vocalists, and so much more, Chattanooga Choo Choo is packed cover to cover with facts, trivia, and insider perspectives. A gracious foreward by Kathryn Crosby rounds out this quality legacy highly recommended for fans of Glenn Miller's longstanding contribution to orchestra.

Rating:
Summary: Glenn Miller comes alive in a new book!
Review: This book is a terrific snapshot into an era where great music was born and is still loved and listened to today. I especially liked "The Scene: What It Was Like to Be There." The book wonderfully details, with a ton of great photos, Glenn Miller's influence throughout the world and the legacy he left behind, which is carried out through the Glenn Miller Orchestras that play world-wide to sold out audiences almost every day of the year somewhere. WOW - I didn't know that.

Rating:
Summary: The great Grudens has done it again !!!!
Review: This is a great book for fans of the Glenn Miller Orchesta. Richard Grudens gives the reader an inside look at one of American's musical institutions. The music of the Miller Orchestra literary jumps out at you, as you turn the pages. So put on a Glenn Miller album, sit in your favorite chair and relive the era with Richard Grudens. Like smoking a Chesterfield, you'll be satisfied!!!