Glenn Miller's life: beautiful songs, striking performances and mysterious disappearance

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The World War II generation knew him as the most popular and talented bandleader. Glenn Miller and his orchestra created smooth and sophisticated dance music, which survived through the years and became an indispensable part of the world's popular culture.

In The Mood was a #1 hit of the era. Just like any performance of Miller's band, this one is highly energetic and super professional. The song recorded in 1939 became extremely popular in 1940 and remained one of the everlasting jazz hits of all time. Watch the video to see it yourself.

How did you like the performance? Do you like any other Glenn's songs? Share them with us in the comments below!

Here are 5 interesting facts about Glenn's life:

#1 The cause of his death remains unknown

In 1944 Miller received a long hoped-for permission to take his military band overseas, to England. They performed in military hospitals and airfields. But Miller, as usual, wanted more, and Paris became his next mission. Glenn decided to go to Paris to make all the necessary arrangements. He received approval on the 15th of November and left for France a month later. The plane took off on the 15th of December, 1944... and was never seen again. As the weather was stormy, so most people believe the plane went down over the English Channel. Anyway, the actual reason was never revealed. At the time of his disappearance Glenn was 40 years old.

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#2 He forsook his large income was accepted to the army at the age of 38

Glenn wanted to modernize American military music, so he quit his civilian career at the very peak and played the last civilian concert with his band (the one from the video above) in 1942. Miller was inducted into the Army Air Forces and named director of bands training for the Technical Training Command. Glenn earned the rank of captain and was promoted to major in 1944.

#3 He inherited his strong character from his mother

Glenn's mother, Mattie Lou Miller, had always been the strength of their family. She and her husband, Lewis Elmer Miller, raised four children and had to move from one place to another quite often. Their children learnt to be independent from an early age.

#4 Glenn bought his first instrument with his own money at the age of 13

It was a trombone. Young Glenn milked cows in Oklahoma to save money for his hobby.

#5 A 1954 film was loosely based on Glenn's life. He was played by James Stewart:

"The Glenn Miller Story" was released a decade after Glenn's mysterious disappearance. The film follows Miller from his first days in music business in 1929 through to the moment of his death.

What do you think of Glenn's story? Isn't it incredible? He was a man of character. If you have any little-known facts about him to share with us, tell us in the comments below!