The Glenn Miller Orchestra was originally formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller. It's unique, tight and popular sound was produced by arranging for a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. Miller had already formed one band before this in 1936, but he dissolved it as he considered it too similar to other bands of the era.
After the disappearance (and presumed death) of Miller in 1944, the band was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. A few years later, the Miller estate, having parted ways with Beneke, hired Ray McKinley, principal drummer in Miller's Army Air Force band, to organize a new "ghost band" in 1956. The group went on, playing as a tribute to Miller's memory.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra continued to record and perform under various leaders starting in 1956. It is still touring today. Currently, trombonist Larry O'Brien leads the band.
Members:
Larry O'Brien - Trombonist, musical director
Julia Rich - vocalist
Ryan Garfi - vocalist
Kevin Sheehan - Lead Alto Saxophone
Bryan Wente - Alto Saxophone
Scott Van Domelen - Tenor Saxophone
Gregory Pflugh - Tenor Saxophone
Fil Lorenz - Baritone and Alto Saxophone and Clarinet
Ashley Hall - Lead Trumpet
Stephen Forse - Trumpet
Joe Badaczewski - Trumpet
Kyle Simpson - Trumpet
George Reinert III - Lead Trombone
Chris Fortner - Trombone
Steve McCallum - Third Trombone
Jason Bennett - Bass Trombone
Nathaniel Shafer - Piano
Justin Watt - Drums
Bart Delaney - Bass
Imagination
Glenn Miller Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Makes a bee think of honey just as I think of you
Imagination is crazy, you whole perspective gets hazy
Starts you asking a daisy what to do, what to do
Have you ever felt a gentle touch and then a kiss and then, and then
Find it's only your imagination again, oh well
For example I go around wanting you
And yet I can't imagine that you want me too
In this song, the singer is exploring the power of imagination and how it can impact our emotions and perceptions of the world around us. Imagination is portrayed as a force that can transform a gloomy day into a brighter one, just as thinking of a loved one can lift one's mood. However, the singer also recognizes that imagination can be a bit wild and unpredictable, causing one to feel confused or uncertain about what to do. This is illustrated through the image of asking a daisy for advice, as if even nature itself cannot provide clear answers.
Line by Line Meaning
Imagination is funny, it makes a cloudy day sunny
The power of imagination is amazing, it lets me see the bright side of things even on a gloomy day.
Makes a bee think of honey just as I think of you
Just like a bee can't help but be drawn to honey, my thoughts are naturally drawn to you because of how special you are to me.
Imagination is crazy, you whole perspective gets hazy
The way imagination works can be weird and confusing, it can blur the lines between reality and fantasy, making it hard to distinguish between the two.
Starts you asking a daisy what to do, what to do
Sometimes, imagination can be so consuming that you start seeking answers from inanimate objects, like asking a daisy what to do.
Have you ever felt a gentle touch and then a kiss and then, and then
Have you ever had such vivid imagination that it felt like you were actually experiencing a gentle touch or a kiss, only to realize later that it was all in your head?
Find it's only your imagination again, oh well
Although it can be disappointing to realize that what you thought was real is just your imagination, it's still a fascinating and powerful force that can't be ignored or dismissed.
Imagination is silly, you go around willy-nilly
Despite its power and wonder, the way imagination works can sometimes be silly and unpredictable, making you feel like you're just wandering aimlessly with no sense of direction.
For example I go around wanting you
A clear example of the power of imagination is how it makes me desire and want you, even if the likelihood of that happening may be low.
And yet I can't imagine that you want me too
On the other hand, my imagination can't fathom the idea that you may actually want me too. It's hard to reconcile what's in my head with what reality might be.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Peck
During this Coronavirus thing I've been spending a little time listening to some of the American Standards songs. Mr. Eberle is listed as having been one of the first to record "Imagination." He does a great job on it!
Trombonology Erstwhile
In terms of arrangement, it's a close call between the Axel Stordahl chart for TD and what is possibly Bill Finegan's chart for Miller. I love Tommy's beautiful Solo-tone muted opening statement on his version and also the writing for the whole trombone section on Glenn's take. However, while Ray's progress from his earliest days with the GM aggregation is apparent on "Imagination," Sinatra's delicate and highly nuanced reading is superior, IMO.
Alan Fox
Jimmy Stewart play Glenn miller in the Glenn miller story
James Irwin
@the78prof Since I suppose you’d know, why can’t I find a 78 for Glenn Miller’s “People Like You And Me” in the movie they end the scene showing that the record was recorded, why wasn’t it released or if it was can you point in the direction I need to look.
The78Prof
Unfortunately, the Miller band never made a commercial 78 recording of that great song (the movie showed a fictitious 'recording session'). It's the film's soundtrack version that has been commonly reissued on LP and CD over the decades, though a radio broadcast version of the song is also out there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBb0ZDTlJ6g
James Irwin
@The78Prof Ok, well thanks for the info. I wish they did, but hey what can you do.
Moldy Oldie
It's been written Darryl Zanuck didn't want his stars commercially recording songs done in his movies, saying something like, "If he wants to hear them sing, let 'em buy a ticket." This song would fit the description.
Robin Ceuleers
The time when ur Granddaddies are real men and Hunks in the Army! and Grannys were sexy and hot 😝
Frank Martinez
🌼🧠🌼 What 2 do? What 2 do?
Jordan Kamnitzer
Tommy Dorsey did it first, featuring Frank Sinatra.