Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum

Call Directions Website Contact the museum

Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum "On behalf of the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, I would like to welcome you to our page.

Get "In The Mood" to celebrate America's Number One Bandleader and the Soundtrack of the Greatest Generation at the home of the 2027 Glenn Miller Jazz Festival! We hope you will enjoy learning about our society and about Glenn Miller, a pioneer in music during the Big Band era. After disappearing in 1944, his music and life have continued to be of interest to people around the world. We are definitely In The Mood for Glenn Miller and we hope you will be also. Marvin Negley
GMBS President

The Glenn Miller Birthplace Society welcomes you to the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum! Take a guided tour of the original birthplace home of Glenn Miller, watch a compelling movie about his life and music, and explore our museum which tells the fascinating story of his rise to stardom, his service in World War II, and the impact his music has had through the decades.

In the fall of 1942, Glenn Miller had the most popular band in America. He walked away from it anyway. At 38, he volunte...
10/08/2026

In the fall of 1942, Glenn Miller had the most popular band in America. He walked away from it anyway. At 38, he volunteered to serve and built a military band to bring music to the troops.

See his WWII story up close at the museum, open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.

The Glenn Miller Memorial Trophy honors Clarinda's own legendary bandleader and is awarded to the overall champion of th...
10/05/2026

The Glenn Miller Memorial Trophy honors Clarinda's own legendary bandleader and is awarded to the overall champion of the parade and field competition. As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, this trophy recognizes the excellence, teamwork, and spirit that would make Glenn proud.

Congratulations to Treynor High School on receiving this year's Glenn Miller Memorial Trophy! 🎷

Over 50 marching bands. One very musical town. 🎺 The 71st Annual Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree takes over Clarinda tomor...
10/02/2026

Over 50 marching bands. One very musical town. 🎺

The 71st Annual Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree takes over Clarinda tomorrow starting with a 9AM parade.

***Update: the field competition has been canceled.

would approve. Don't forget to swing by the museum at 122 W. Clark St., open 1-3PM.

The Star-Spangled Radio Hour appropriately celebrates its 850th episode this week with the music of Glenn Miller at Yale...
09/16/2026

The Star-Spangled Radio Hour appropriately celebrates its 850th episode this week with the music of Glenn Miller at Yale, October-December 1943. Along with a look back at the roots of SSRH, there will be a fair amount of information and news, as well as a great selection of performances by the Army Air Forces Training Command Orchestra. Thank you for your support since 2010 and moving forward. The celebration is now streaming online for your listening pleasure:
https://www.dennismspragg.com/star-spangled-radio-hour

Celebrating America 250
Star-Spangled Radio Hour 850
September 19, 2026

Army Air Forces Training Command Orchestra
Directed by Capt. Glenn Miller

Uncle Sam Presents
NBC Recording Sessions
October 2, 1943
November 13, 1943 (part)
December 4, 1943
Vanderbilt Theater
New York, New York
(OWI/VOA) Recordings for Broadcast
Lt. Donald Briggs, announcer
Capt. Glenn Miller, host

I Sustain the Wings
October 30, 1943
November 20, 1943
December 18, 1943 (part)
6:00-6:30 p.m.
11:30 p.m.-Midnight
Vanderbilt Theater
New York, New York
(NBC) (WEAF) Broadcasts
Lt. Donald Briggs, announcer
Capt. Glenn Miller, host

Star-Spangled Radio Hour 69
September 17, 2010
(KEZW) (excerpt)
Rick Crandall & friend, hosts

Playlist

(13Nov43 USP) I Sustain the Wings (opening theme), In the Mood, People Will Say We’re In Love (Pvt. Johnny Desmond, vocal) (17Sep10) SSRH 69 open & remarks (2Oct43 USP) I Sustain the Wings (opening theme), Anvil Chorus, Stormy Weather, Juke Box Saturday Night (The Crew Chiefs, vocal), I Sustain the Wings (closing theme), Everybody Loves My Baby (ride out) (30Oct43 ISTW) The Army Air Corps, I Sustain the Wings (opening theme), Keep ‘Em Flying; Medley: Londonderry Air (Danny Boy), Shoo Shoo Baby (The Crew Chiefs, vocal), The Way You Look Tonight (Borrowed from Jerome Kern’s “Swing Time”), Beautiful Blue Danube; Playlet: Aerial Gunner, Tyndall Field, Panama City, Florida), Holiday For Strings, Air WAC announcement, Oh! What A Beautiful Mornin’ (Pvt. Johnny Desmond, vocal), Guns In The Sky (Pvt. Johnny Desmond and the Crew Chiefs, vocal), I Sustain the Wings (closing theme) (20Nov43 ISTW) The Army Air Corps, I Sustain the Wings (opening theme), Here We Go Again; Medley: The End of A Perfect Day, Do You Know? (Pct. Johnny Desmond, vocal), Moonlight Sonata (borrowed from Beethoven), The Blue Room; Playlet: WACs, Army Air Field, Fort Worth, Texas; Star Eyes (Pvt. Johnny Desmond, vocal), The Squadron Song (Pvt. Johnny Desmond, the Crew Chiefs and Glee Club, vocal), American Prayer (read by Lt. Donald Briggs), I Sustain the Wings (closing theme) (4Dec43 USP) I Sustain the Wings (opening theme), Tail End Charlie, My Ideal (Pvt. Johnny Desmond, vocal), Honeysuckle Rose, What Do You Do In The Infantry (Pvt. Johnny Desmond and the Crew Chiefs, vocal), I Sustain the Wings (closing theme), 7-0-5 (ride out) (18Dec43 ISTW) I Hear You Screamin’

It seems that summer has sped by too quickly, but the Star-Spangled Radio Hour is ready to celebrate the Labor Day weeke...
09/03/2026

It seems that summer has sped by too quickly, but the Star-Spangled Radio Hour is ready to celebrate the Labor Day weekend with the music of Glenn Miller, 1941, Part 3. The holiday special contains Bluebird recordings and historic broadcast moments, including the first Sunset Serenade and a complete Chesterfield Moonlight Serenade. Also included are the debut of “A String of Pearls” featuring Billy May, the farewell to Paula Kelly, return of Marion Hutton, an unusual performance of “Vilia,” stunning performances of “I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem,” “Flagwaver” and much more. It all totally compliments and ties together with the Glenn Miller Limited Edition Series, Vol. 3 of which is now available for pre-order, and the 2027 Glenn Miller Jazz Festival. SSRH 848 also marks the return of “My Guy’s Come Back” as the SSRH opening and closing theme. This is a very consequential and satisfying SSRH episode that should get everyone’s attention. It’s all streaming online for your listening pleasure at:

https://www.dennismspragg.com/star-spangled-radio-hour

Learn more about Glenn Miller:

https://www.dennismspragg.com/glenn-miller

Star-Spangled Radio Hour 848
September 5, 2026
Celebrating America 250

Glenn Miller, 1941, Part 3
Glenn Miller and his Orchestra

RCA Bluebird Recording Sessions
Victor Studios
New York, New York
August 11, 1941, Studio #1
September 3, 1941, Studio #2

Chesterfield Moonlight Serenade
August 13, 1941
August 14, 1941 (Part)
10:00-10:15 p.m.
CBS Radio Theatre #2
New York, New York
(CBS) (WABC) broadcast
Paul Douglas, announcer

Chesterfield Moonlight Serenade
August 19, 1941 (Part)
August 26, 1941 (Part)
August 28, 1941 (Part)
10:00-10:15 p.m.
Riverside Stadium
Washington, District of Columbia
(CBS) (WJSV) broadcast
Larry Bruff, announcer

Sunset Serenade
August 30, 1941
Steel Pier
Atlantic City, New Jersey
5:00-5:15 p.m. segment
5:15-5:30 p.m. Travers Stakes, Saratoga, New York
5:30-5:45 p.m. segment
5:45-6:00 p.m. missing
(NBC-Blue) (WFIL) broadcast
Don Cordray, announcer

Playlist

(14Aug41) Slumber Song (program open), A String of Pearls (first broadcast) (11Aug41) (BS-067628-1, Bluebird B-11274) Delilah (Tex Beneke and the Modernaires, vocal), (BS-067629-1, Bluebird B-11287) From One Love To Another (Ray Eberle, vocal), (BS-067630-1, Bluebird B-11274) Elmer’s Tune (Ray Eberle and the Modernaires, vocal) (BS 067625-1, Bluebird B-11263) It Happened In Sun Valley (Paula Kelly, Ray Eberle, Tex Beneke and the Modernaires, vocal), (BS-067626-1, Bluebird B-11267) I’m Thrilled (Ray Eberle, vocal), (BS-067627-1, Bluebird B-11263) The Kiss Polka (Paula Kelly, Ernie Caceres and the Modernaires, vocal), (13Aug41) Slumber Song (opening theme), Georgia On My Mind (dedicated to Fort Benning, Georgia) (RCA Victor LPM-1193), Delilah (Tex Beneke and the Modernaires, vocal) (RCA Victor LSP-3981[e]), Commercial, You and I (Ray Eberle and Paula Kelly, vocal), I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem, Slumber Song (closing theme) (19Aug41) Just A Little Bit South of North Carolina (Marion Hutton, vocal) (26Aug41) Vilia (28Aug41) Flagwaver, Slumber Song (closing theme) (30Aug41) Slumber Song (opening theme), Here We Go Again, The Cowboy Serenade (Ray Eberle, vocal), The Booglie Wooglie Piggy (Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton and the Modernaires, vocal), Georgia On My Mind, Slumber Song (to station break at 5:15 p.m.), Slumber Song (theme at 5:30 p.m.), It’s Great To Be An American (The Modernaires, vocal), ‘Til Reveille (Ray Eberle, vocal) (selected by Camp Seely, California), Daddy (Marion Hutton, Tex Beneke and the Modernaires, vocal) (selected by Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont and Camp Stewart, Georgia), The Things I Love (Ray Eberle, vocal) (selected by NAS Jacksonville, Florida), Intermezzo (selected by Fort Sheridan, Illinois) (3Sep41) (BS 067743-1, Bluebird B-11326) Dear Arabella (Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton and the Modernaires, vocal)

It’s your “Saturday Date with the Duke” once again this week on the “Star-Spangled Radio Hour.” The Duke is on the air w...
09/02/2026

It’s your “Saturday Date with the Duke” once again this week on the “Star-Spangled Radio Hour.” The Duke is on the air with ABC Treasury Department broadcasts accompanied by RCA Victor recordings. Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra shine with Duke Ellington, 1946, Part 3, the third of the series focusing on the Duke during the transitional immediate postwar year. The world of the Duke was in flux, with a re-evaluation of his RCA Victor relationship and other commitments. The band’s schedule was as busy as ever, and they were in demand for theater dates around the nation. The third part of the 1946 Ellington series fully reflects the audience enthusiasm for the band and also subtle changes beginning to be featured in the Ellington musical agenda. It’s another week of musical brilliance on SSRH 847, which is now streaming online for your listening pleasure, along with Parts 1 and 2, SSRH 832 and SSRH 833.

https://www.dennismspragg.com/star-spangled-radio-hour

Star-Spangled Radio Hour 847
August 29, 2026

DUKE ELLINGTON – 1946, Part 3

Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra

RCA Victor Recording Sessions
August 25, 1946 – Hollywood, California
September 3, 1946 – Hollywood, California

Treasury Department Broadcast
“Your Saturday Date With The Duke,” No. 42
August 3, 1946
1:00-1:36 p.m. and 1:44-2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Interrupted by World’s Playground Stakes from Atlantic City, New Jersey
Golden Gate Theatre
San Francisco, California
(ABC) (KGO)

Treasury Department Broadcast
“Your Saturday Date With The Duke,” No. 43
August 17, 1946
1:00-1:30 p.m. and 1:45-2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Interrupted by All-American Handicap from Atlantic City, New Jersey
Meadowbrook Gardens
Culver City, California
(ABC) (KECA)

Playlist

(3Sep46) (D6VB 2132-1, RCA Victor LPV-553) Esquire Swank, (D6VB 2130-1, RCA Victor 20-1992) Swamp Fire (D6VB 2129-1, RCA Victor 20-2327) St. Louis Blues (Marion Cox, vocal), (D6VB 2131-1, RCA Victor 20-2324) Royal Garden Blues (3Aug46) (50:44) Take the “A” Train (opening theme), Eighth Veil, Savings Bond Announcement, Lover Man (Marion Cox, vocal), Blue is the Night, Just Squeeze Me(Ray nance, vocal), Savings Bond Announcement, Diminuendo in Blue, Transblucency (Kay Davis, vocal), Crescendo in Blue, Savings Bond Announcement, Things Ain’t What They used To Be (to network break), Take the “A” Train (second segment opening theme), A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing, Savings Bond Announcement, Hollywood Hangover, I Got It Band and That Ain’t Good (Albert Hibbler, vocal), The Jeep Is Jumpin’ (to program close) (17Aug46) (44:07) Take the “A” Train (opening theme), 9:20 Special, Day Dream, Metronome All Out, Saving Bond Announcement; A Tonal Group: Rhapsoditti, Fugueaditti, Jam-A-Ditty; Savings Bond Announcement, Take the “A” Train (theme to network break), Take the “A” Train (second segment opening theme), Just Squeeze Me (Ray Nance, vocal, Savings Bond Announcement, One O’Clock Jump. Cynthia’s In Love (Kay Davis, vocal), Take the “A” Train (closing theme) (25Aug46) (D6VB-2114-1, RCA Victor LPM-6009) Blue Is The Night

09/02/2026

Last fall, to publicize Glenn Miller Limited Edition, vol. 2, the restored and outstanding "Down For The Count" from August 6, 1940, was loaded to the Glenn Miller Limited Editions webpage as a sampler. Today, to publicize the forthcoming Glenn Miller Limited Edition, vol. 3, the restored and outstanding "Conversation Piece from May 28, 1940, is loaded to the Glenn Miller Limited Editions webpage as a sampler. This is a significant audio upgrade from the 1959 RCA Victor release. Vol. 3 is now available for pre-order for release during the holidays. The link is:

https://www.dennismspragg.com/glenn-miller-limited-edition

To quote Blue Network announcer Glenn Riggs, “jazz is swing and swing is jazz,” so the Star-Spangled Radio swings jazz t...
08/21/2026

To quote Blue Network announcer Glenn Riggs, “jazz is swing and swing is jazz,” so the Star-Spangled Radio swings jazz this week with the Metronome and Esquire All-Stars, Part 2. Here is more of our impressive musical heritage to celebrate America 250. This second episode continues to feature Esquire and Metronome recording sessions, however with a major broadcast event in between. This is the complete January 17, 1945 Esquire All-American Jazz Concert from New Orleans, New York and Los Angeles. Major musical legends return for additionally vibrant performances, with highlights too numerous to mention. Just listen and savor the delicious sounds and history. This program is dedicated to Willis Conover, whose Voice of America “Music USA” and “Jazz Hour” led the way. SSRH 846 is now streaming online for your listening pleasure at:

https://www.dennismspragg.com/star-spangled-radio-hour

Star-Spangled Radio Hour 846
August 22, 2026
Celebrating America 250

The Metronome and Esquire All-Stars, Part 2
Leonard Feather’s Esquire All-Stars
Commodore (Music Shop) Recording Session
New York
December 4, 1943

Personnel: Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), Cootie Williams (trumpet), Edmond Hall (clarinet), Art Tatum (piano), Al Casey (guitar), Oscar Pettiford (string bass), Sid Catlett (drums), Leonard Feather (producer)

Second Esquire All-American Jazz Concert
New Orleans Municipal Auditorium
Radio City, New York
Philharmonic Auditorium, Los Angeles
January 17, 1945
11:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (EWT)
Glenn Riggs, New York announcer
Danny Kaye, Los Angeles host
(Blue) (WDSU-WJZ-KECA)

Personnel: Leon Prima and his Band featuring Irving Fazola, Louis Armstrong & Jazz Foundation Six (New Orleans), Benny Goodman Quintet, with Mildred Bailey and Red Norvo (New York), Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra, with Anita O’Day, Art Tatum, Billy Holliday, Al Casey and Sid Catlett (Los Angeles)

Louis Armstrong and the Jazz Foundation Six: Louis Armstrong (trumpet, vocal), J. C. Higginbotham (trombone), Sidney Bechet (clarinet, saxophone), James P. Johnson (piano), Richard Alexis (string bass), Paul Barbarin (drums)

Benny Goodman Quintet: Benny Goodman (clarinet), Red Norvo (vibraharp), Teddy Wilson (piano), Sis Weiss (String bass), Morey Feld (drums)

Metronome All-Stars
RCA Victor Recording Session
Studio #2, New York
January 3, 1949

Personnel: Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, Miles Davis (trumpet), Kai Winding, J. J. Johnson (trombone), Buddy DeFraqnco (clarinet), Charlie Parker (alto saxophone), Charlie Ventura (tenor saxophone), Ernie Caceres (baritone saxophone), Lennie Tristano (piano), Bill Bauer (guitar), Eddie Safranski (string bass), Shelly Manne (drums), George Simon (producer)

Playlist

(43-12-04) (A-4691-1, Commodore 547) Esquire Bounce, (A-4694-1, Commodore 547) Esquire Blues, (A-4692-1, Commodore 548) My Ideal, (A-4693, Commodore 548) Mop Mop (Boff Boff) (45-01-17) Program open, (New Orleans - Leon Prima) Tin Roof Blues, Rose Room (featuring Mary Osborne, guitar); (New Orleans – Louis Armstrong) Back O’ Town Blues (Perdido Street Blues) (Louis Armstrong, vocal), Arkansas Blues (featuring James P. Johnson, piano), I’m Confessin’ That I Love You, Award presentations to Louis Armstrong & J. C. Higginbotham, Dear Old Southland (with J. C. Higginbotham), Basin Street Blues & segment close; (Benny Goodman – New York): Air Mail Special, Downhearted Blues (Mildred Bailey, vocal), Jack Benny guest appearance, The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise, segment close (Los Angeles – Duke Ellington) Esquire Jump, Danny Kaye resents Award to Willie Smith; Tea For Two, Award presentation by Judy Garland to Anita O’Day, Wish You Were Waiting For Me (Anita O’Day, vocal). Midriff; Duke Ellington presents Award to Jack Tatum, The Man I Love, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby (Art Tatum, piano); Lionel Barrymore presents Awards to Duke Ellington and members of the Orchestra; Mood To Be Wooed; Jerome Kern presents Award to Bill Holliday; I Cover The Waterfront (Billy Holliday, vocal); Danny Kaye presents Awards to Al Casey and Sid Catlett; Honeysuckle Rose (with Al Casey and Sid Catlett), Leonard Feather introduces all three locations & musicians for a three-way simulcast closing performance), Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong), to Blue Network ID; (49-01-03) (D9VB-0021-1. RCA Victor 20-3361) Overtime, (D9VC-1000-1, Unissued) Overtime

The latest document in my discography and history series is now available online. It is a comprehensive summary of the G...
08/19/2026

The latest document in my discography and history series is now available online. It is a comprehensive summary of the Glenn Miller Moonlight Serenade Transcription Series, 1951-1953. The report details the series releases, the chronology of recorded material, a song index, a summary of commercial releases, and a list of the SSRH episodes that include the complete series. The Glenn Miller Moonlight Serenade Transcription Series, 1951,-1953, is now published online and avaialble by going to my Glenn Miller resource page and scrolling down to the link:

https://www.dennismspragg.com/glenn-miller

Address

122 West Clark Street PO Box 61
Clarinda, IA
51632

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1pm - 3pm
Thursday 1pm - 3pm
Friday 1pm - 3pm
Saturday 1pm - 3pm
Sunday 1pm - 3pm

Telephone

(712) 542-2461

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Glenn Miller Birthplace Society & Museum:

Shortcuts

Share

Category