"Released now for the first time, the eight numbers on this record, never previously recorded by Glenn Miller and his orchestra, represent one of the most important popular recording 'first editions' of the last several years: --eight 'brand new' discings by one of the greatest swing bands of them all.

And even that is not the whole story. These are not only new Miller recordings, they are exceptionally fine ones, equal to the best he ever made. Here's the reason:

They were taken 'off the air' (recorded from radio broadcasts) at Glenn Miller's order for his own private use, during the winter of 1940-1941, when the Miller band was at the height of its virtuosity. They were made while the orchestra played to 'live' audiences in radio studios, theaters, army camps, and have an excitement, a spontaneity, and enthusiasm that result when top-flight musicians are performing for appreciative audiences that stimulate them to do their finest work. Studio recordings rarely equal the fresh, relaxed, uninhibited quality of these 'live audience' performances. Jazz enthusiasts who were privileged to hear them before their release declare they are among the finest ever made by the Glenn Miller orchestra. Moreover, since most of the tunes are jazz classics, they showcase the Miller organization as the great jazz band it was -- a fact which many of its other recordings, mostly of sweet or dance ballads, did not always reveal.

The voice you hear at the beginning of some of the sides is that of Glenn, himself, introducing the numbers the band is about to play.

ABOUT GLENN MILLER

In the thirty-five years of a life devoted wholly to music, Glenn Miller proved himself a rare combination of artist and businessman. As an artist, he was tops in all branches of music: as instrumentalist, arranger, composer, conductor. As a businessman, he was able to create and hold together as a band, a group of musical virtuosos (who are notoriously individualistic) and build them into one of the nation's top dance orchestras.

When war came, Glenn Miller, though exempt from service, volunteered. Organizing a new band, he toured service camps and bases, playing for fellow servicemen, then took his men to England to entertain the troops overseas. It was while he was flying to France in December, 1944, that his plane was lost without a trace.

Glenn's earlier history was like that of many other popular musicians of his age. Born in Iowa (1904), he lived in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming while growing up. He was playing the trombone before he was in his teens, played through high school and a year of college, then went to California with Ben Pollack's band. During the 'Twenties and 'Thirties, before he launched out on his own, he made his mark as instrumentalist and arranger. When Success came, suddenly and overwhelmingly, in 1939, he was ready for it..."

RCA Victor Records