The Musicians

Glenn and some of the boys swing it out in "Orchestra Wives"

Band personel changed every so often between 1938 and 1942. Some of the players in the civilian band were...

Trombones: Glenn Miller, Paul Tanner, Jimmy Priddy, Frank D'Annolfo

Reeds: Tex Benke, Al Klink, Willie Schwartz (clarinet), Hal McIntyre, Ernie Caceres, Lloyd "Skippy" Martin

Trumpets: Ray Anthony, R. Dale McMickle, Johnny Best, Billy May, Steve Lipkins

Drums: Maurice Purtill

Bass: Trigger Alpert, Doc Goldberg

Piano: Chummy MacGregor

Guitar: Jack Lathrop, Bobby Hackett

Arrangers: Glenn Miller, Bill Finnegan, Jerry Gray

*This is not a complete listing of all musicians who played in the Miller band. I'll be updating the list as I learn of more.*

The Singers

Marion Hutton (center) and The Modernaires sing "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" with Tex Beneke (right) in the 1942 film Orchestra Wives.

*This section will evolve as I plan to include biographical information for the performers (at least those who do not have websites or biographies posted to the Internet).*

Ray Eberle
Started with Miller in 1938 and remained with the band until mid-1942

Skip Nelson
Replaced Ray Eberle in mid-1942, staying with the band
until Miller went into the service.

Marion Hutton
Marion was 17 when she joined the Miller orchestra in 1938.

Dorothy Claire
Replacement for Marion Hutton when Hutton left the band to
give birth to her first child.

Paula Kelly and the Modernaires (with Tex Beneke, Sun Valley Serenade, 1941). Paula Kelly replaced Dorothy Claire and was with the band until Marion Hutton's return in late 1941.

Tex Beneke
Although he was first and foremost a sideman, Gordon "Tex" Beneke was also known for his unique singing style which Miller made a point of showcasing.
NPR Music: Tex Beneke Obituary -- Audio file from
All Things Considered May 31, 2000

Kay Starr
Early in Kay's career, she replaced an ailing Marion Hutton for a couple of weeks in 1939, during the Miller band's performances at the Glen Island Casino in NY. She recorded a couple of songs with the Miller band and scored an early hit with "Baby Me/Love With a Capital You"

Pat Friday
Vocal dub for Lynn Barri in Orchestra Wives and possibly Sun Valley Serenade.