During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Miller managed to earn a living working as a freelance trombonist in several bands. His first band was formed in 1937 but failed to distinguish itself and eventually broke up.
Following the break-up of his first band, Miller realized that he needed to develop a unique sound, and decided to make the clarinet play a melodic line with a tenor saxophone on the same note, while three other saxophones harmonized. With this sound combination, the Miller band that became the most popular was born in 1938. After a shaky start, it made his new band a nationwide hit.
In 1942, Miller joined the United States Army Air Forces where he continued his musical career with the Army Air Force Band.
On December 15, 1944, Miller was to fly from the United Kingdom to Paris, France, to play for the soldiers who had recently liberated Paris. His plane departed from RAF Twinwood Farm in Clapham, Bedfordshire and disappeared while flying over the English Channel. No trace of the aircrew, passengers or plane has ever been found. Miller's status is missing in action.
His music is still iconic of the time period in which he lived and continues to draw thousands of fans of all age groups.
Glenn Miller was a popular visitor to Bedford and its American Air force bases. He is still remembered to this day by the people of Bedford with a bronze bust displayed on the front of the towns Corn Exchange, and more recently, what remains of the Twinwoods Airfield being renovated as a Glenn Miller Museum and outdoor event site
2) Glenn Miller was a Jamaican reggae and soul artist of the 1960's.
Along with other legendary artists such as Bob Marley & the Wailers and Desmond Dekker he recorded for the Trojan record label.
Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar
Glenn Miller Lyrics
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There's a guy who plays the best piano by far
He can play piano any way that you like it
But the way he likes it best is eight to the bar
When he plays it's a ball
He is the daddy of them all
The people gather round when he gets on the stand
Then when he plays he gets a hand
Nobody there bothers to dance
And when he jams with the bass and guitar
They holler all, "Beat me daddy, eight to bar"
A plink, plunkin' on the keys
A riff, well, a-riffin' out with ease
And when he jams with the bass and guitar
They holler all, "Come on and beat me daddy, eight to bar"
The song "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar" by Glenn Miller is a fast-paced tune that describes a musician playing the piano in a honky-tonk village in Texas. The song suggests that the musician is highly skilled and can play any type of music, but he prefers to play eight beats to the bar. When he plays, he becomes the "daddy of them all," and people gather around to listen to him. The rhythm he creates puts the cats in a trance, and nobody bothers to dance. However, when he jams with the bass and guitar, the crowd hollers, "beat me daddy, eight to the bar."
The lyrics of this song portray the spirit of the 1940s, when people went to clubs to listen to live music, dance and have fun. The song embraces popular music in the US, including a hint of jazz and country music. The lyrics are straightforward, and the rythmic beat of the song makes it a popular choice for dancing, which was a way for people to escape the hardships of the war.
Line by Line Meaning
In a little honky-tonky village in Texas
There is a small village in Texas that has a honky-tonk.
There's a guy who plays the best piano by far
In that honky-tonk, there is a man who plays the piano better than anyone.
He can play piano any way that you like it
He can play the piano in any style that you want.
But the way he likes it best is eight to the bar
However, the style that he enjoys the most is playing eight beats to the bar in a rhythmical manner.
When he plays it's a ball
When he plays the piano, it is a fun and joyous occasion for all present.
He is the daddy of them all
He is the best in his field, and everyone else looks up to him.
The people gather round when he gets on the stand
Whenever he gets up to play, people come together to listen to him.
Then when he plays he gets a hand
After he finishes a song or a set, people applaud him for his excellent performance.
The rhythm he beats puts the cats in a trance
The rhythm he plays is so captivating that people are entranced by it.
Nobody there bothers to dance
People are so captivated by his music that they do not bother to dance, as they prefer to listen to him play.
And when he jams with the bass and guitar
When he plays together with the bass and guitar, it creates a great musical synergy.
They holler all, 'Beat me daddy, eight to bar'
People in the audience cheer for him to continue playing the same rhythmical style of music as they are enjoying it.
A plink, plunkin' on the keys
He plays the piano with light, rhythmic touches.
A riff, well, a-riffin' out with ease
He plays lively, improvised melodies on the piano with ease.
And when he jams with the bass and guitar
Again, when he plays together with the bass and guitar, it creates a great musical synergy.
They holler all, 'Come on and beat me daddy, eight to bar'
People in the audience cheer for him to continue playing the same rhythmical style of music as they are enjoying it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Don Raye, Eleanor Whiteman Sheehy, Hughie Prince
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind