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.
Tiger Rag
Glenn Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Hold that tiger
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
Where's that tiger?
The repeated phrase "Hold that tiger" and "Where's that tiger?" in Glenn Miller's "Tiger Rag" is a call and response between the musicians and the audience. It is a way to build anticipation and excitement, as if the music is chasing after something elusive, just like a tiger. The urgency in the repetition of the phrase creates a sense of urgency and momentum, just like a tiger hunting its prey.
The use of this phrase in the song is also a nod to the original lyrics of "Tiger Rag" by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1917, which featured the line "Hold that tiger". However, Miller's version is distinct in its swing style and its bold brass sound. Miller's arrangement of "Tiger Rag" is an iconic example of the swing era, featuring a steady beat and bright brass melodies that would later define the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold that tiger
Don't let the energy and excitement of the music go to waste; maintain the rhythm and enthusiasm
Where's that tiger?
The music should be as ferocious and bold as a tiger, so where is that energy?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael O'Meara
Best sound ever! Where did you find this recording? Please share if you can! Thanks for this gift!
Brian Holihan
It's on the 3-CD set "A Million Dreams Ago." It was originally a box set of 45's, which was my first intro to Big Band music. It blew me away.
Alfredo Plaza
You will find this recording in the 5 record set (actually five 12 inch 33 1/3 rpm vinyl records). It was released by RCA Victor records in 1955 as a limited edition. It was also released in 45 rpm extended
play records, which meant that
each side of the 45 rpm record had to songs or tracks. This recording was taken from an air check (radio broadcast) made through the NBC network, probably
from the Cafe Rouge of Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City.
Anna Marie Rosenberg
You should hear his live version of Dipper Mouth Blues live version with Ernie Caceres playing clarinet! I wish I could find that one.
Fedor2971962
Ja waanzinnig, swingt de pan uit!
Will W
You had to know your chops.