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.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Glenn Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
The song "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" by Glenn Miller is a romantic ballad that describes a magical encounter between two people at a country dance. The lyrics tell the story of the singer's first meeting with a woman who catches his eye. He bumps into her and thy exchange apologies before the music starts playing. In the midst of the music, he takes her hand and they dance, feeling like there are polka dots and moonbeams all around them. He remarks on her pug-nose, which only adds to her charm in his eyes.
The song goes on to describe how the other dancers are curious about the couple's connection as they float around the dance floor. Although others may question the singer's interest in this woman, he himself knows that it is a true connection. The song concludes with a description of a "cottage built of lilacs and laughter" where the singer has found true love. He promises to always see "polka dots and moonbeams" when he kisses the pug-nosed dream, the woman he first met at the country dance.
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
The scene is set at a country dance, hosted in a garden.
I felt a bump and heard an 'Oh, beg your pardon'
The singer experienced a small collision with someone at the dance, and heard them apologize.
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
The singer saw an impressive sight that brought surprise and wonder.
All around a pug-nosed dream
The wonderful sight was centered around a particular person, described as having a pug nose.
The music started and was I the perplexed one
When the music started, the artist was confused and uncertain.
I held my breath and said 'May I have the next one?'
Despite feeling uneasy, the singer mustered the courage to ask their dance partner for another dance.
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
While holding their dance partner, the singer saw the same impressive sight as before mentioned in (3).
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
The person being held by the artist and the impressive sight described earlier were the same, a person with a pug nose.
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
Other people at the dance were curious and questioning in their expression.
As we floated over the floor
While dancing with their partner, the artist had the sensation of floating above the floor.
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Despite others' curiosity and confusion, the singer's heart held all the answers they needed.
And perhaps a few things more
The artist's heart knew more than just the answers to the questions of others.
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
The scene shifts to a cottage built of flowers and good humor.
I know the meaning of the words 'Ever after'
The singer understands the essence of the phrase 'Ever after,' which suggests a long-lasting, happy state of being.
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
The impression of the sight from earlier on in the song stays with the singer.
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
The person who was the center of the sight mentioned earlier is referred to as the 'pug-nosed dream,' and the artist will think of these same impressive images when they kiss that person.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JIMMY VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bill Herald
The vocal rendition is definitely by Ray Eberle, who in my opinion was the very best of the male Big Band singers. What a combination: the music of Miller and the singing of Eberle.
Disques Swing 13
So beautiful and so precious. Glenn Miller forever!!!
les cox
Ray's voice fitted the Miller style so well. There was something about this period of music, and it wasn't just the war years, that oozed romance, luxury and smoothness, and no one captured that more than the Miller Orchestra.
dyad2r1
When I was in my 20's, I thought this kind of music was corny and outdated. Now that I'm in my dotage, i can't get enough of it. Thanks for sharing this, Iris!
Saoff
this is such a beautiful song. Thanks for the upload!
wizkidd53
Great tune. I believe the vocals are Ray Eberly. The sounds of the Greatest Generation live on!
EAZYED420
LOVE this sound
Carolyn Hughes
I retired and now I live in my 1940s room and Glenn Miller and the big band sound is the only music I hear
ArsGratia1865
Get down Carolyn! There are some performers who truly represent that niche era which combined the best of hard swing with small combos. My favorites include: Billy Eckstine (I pass out when I hear him sing "Last Night" and his 40's infused version of "My Silent Love" ! ---- the great sax players Don Byas (check out his "Laura" if you don't have that in your room yet) and Lester Young (his April 1944 recording of "These Foolish Things" is the ultimate version of that classic)---then the cool charms of Maxine Sullivan, young Peggy Lee (try her "Oh, Look at Me Now," one of the anthems of the decade) and of course Lee Wiley, Billie, young Sarah. Are you into French forties? Please listen to Lucienne Boyer sing "Mon Coeur est un Violon." Also, Jean Sablon's French version of "Laura." The movie "Laura" is probably my favorite film of that decade and if I had a '40's room it wd be stuck in the dvd player--lol! Hey Carolyn, you really made my day w your comment! I've had a few "rooms" of my own. Hope you've heard/will hear some of my picks! God bless you, fellow Music Lover!
Jim Southern
Love the song, and Glenn does it well, but I think the best version is by George Shearing