December 16: On This Day in World History … briefly
American bandleader Glenn Miller is presumed dead after his flight goes missing over the English Channel. Miller was flying to join his band in France for a series of concerts for troops.
1944: Glenn Miller goes missing
Alton Glenn Miller was an American big-band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era. He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943, leading one of the best-known big bands.
Miller’s recordings include ‘In the Mood’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000’, ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’, ‘A String of Pearls’, ‘At Last’, ‘(I’ve Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo’, ‘American Patrol’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’, ‘Elmer’s Tune’ and ‘Little Brown Jug’.
In just four years Glenn Miller scored 17 number-one records and 59 top ten hits—more than Elvis Presley (38 top 10s) and the Beatles (33 top 10s) did in their careers. While he was traveling to entertain US troops in France during World War II, Miller’s aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel.
Most notable historic snippets or facts extracted from the book ‘On This Day’ first published in 1992 by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London, as well as additional supplementary information extracted from Wikipedia.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
