Monday, February 10, 2014

The Andrews Sisters and the Glenn Miller Orchestra: Music that Entertained the Servicemen



“We were such a part of everybody’s life in the Second World War. We represented something overseas and at home - a sort of security.”~ Patty Andrews

                      

                                   The Andrews Sisters Singing with Glenn Miller
 
 
      Through their music, the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller and his orchestra brought enjoyment to many people, especially to military men. The men in the armed services appreciated a reprieve from training and thinking about the horrors of war. Therefore, the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller had an important role in encouraging the morale of the troops.
                           
                         
                              From left to right: Maxene, Patty, and LaVerne

      The three perky, peppy, and pretty Andrews Sisters were sure to bring a smile to the faces of the men watching and listening to their charming entertainment. Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne with their lighthearted and fun songs brightened even the gloomiest moods. They were the single most popular female vocalists of the 1940s big band and swing era. The Andrews Sisters were famous on the radio and even played in 17 Hollywood movies. Their songs were catchy and amusing, and many people enjoyed their talent. They sang different styles of music, which benefited their careers because it ensured that people with varied interests would enjoy what they heard. Their style ranged from big band and swing to jazz and country western.


                                
                                                             
      When the war years came, the sisters wanted to support their country, thus they offered to perform for the troops to boost morale. The Andrews Sisters performed in Hollywood canteens and USO shows entertaining the troops with their lively music. In 1945, they took their act to Europe as part of an eight-week USO tour to entertain the military men.

                              
                       The Andrews Sisters Performing at a Hollywood Canteen

      With hit songs like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree,” they were sure to bring enjoyment to the military men. Here are examples of the Andrews Sisters singing both songs:
                                   
                             

                                                                                                           
                             
 
      The Andrews Sisters sang and performed with other big celebrities of the late 1930s and 1940s. They included Abbott and Costello, Bing Crosby, Harry James, and Glenn Miller. Glenn Miller was a talented musician who established a name for himself before the United States entered World War II. He was popular for his big band style that entertained hundreds and thousands of people. The Glenn Miller Orchestra became famous for its distinct swing and jazz sounds. Glenn Miller played the clarinet and wanted it and the tenor saxophone to carry the melody. Glenn Miller and his orchestra also appeared in several Hollywood films.

                        
                                  The Andrews Sisters in Europe with troops
           
                        
                                Glenn Miller leading the Army Air Force Band

      During the war years, Glenn Miller wanted to do his part for the war effort, and he volunteered to serve in the armed forces. He decided when he was in the Army Air Force that he was going to bring the sound of his orchestra to entertain the troops. He attempted to make the army band more modern  and in 1942, he put together the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band.  With this band, he played all the popular Glenn Miller songs that the troops loved to listen to in the states. Some of Glenn Miller’s most popular and best-known songs included: “Moonlight Serenade, “String of Pearls,” and “In the Mood.” Here is an example of the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing “In the Mood” from the 1941 film Sun Valley Serenade:

                            
  
      Glenn Miller’s music was very popular with the troops. Unfortunately, while flying to Paris on December 15, 1944 his plane was mysteriously lost over the English Channel. Although Glenn Miller had a sad ending, his music and orchestra has left a lasting legacy to his greatness as a musician.


                                 
 
      Through their patriotic efforts, the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller boosted the morale of many military men needing to hear and see something besides the death and destruction of war. Thus, by raising the troops' spirits, they made a wonderful contribution towards helping the Allies win World War II.

                      

                                    Recommended Readings

“About Glenn.” The Official Site of Glenn Miller. Accessed February 09,   
      2014. http://www.glennmiller.com/about/bio2.htm.

“Biography.” The Andrews Sisters: The Official Site. Accessed February 09,
      2014. http://cmgww.com/music/andrews/about/bio.html.

“Glenn Miller: ‘Sustain the Wings.’” Wartime Entertainment in WWII.
      Accessed February 09, 2014. http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~knigh20c/classweb/
      miller.html


Ruhlmann, William. “The Andrews Sisters.” Allmusic. Accessed
      February 09, 2014. 
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-andrews-
      sistersmn0000043499/biography
.

Simon, George T. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. New York: Thomas Y.
      Crowell Company, 1974. 


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