John Miller Orchestra

The GLENN Miller Connection

The John Miller Orchestra, formerly The Herb Miller Orchestra, has a unique and remarkable connection to Glenn Miller. It is the only big band performing his music with direct family links to the legendary bandleader through Glenn’s brother, Herb Miller, and his nephew, John Miller.

The Miller family consisted of three brothers and a sister: Dean, Glenn, Herb and Irene. Herb was John’s father, making Glenn Miller John’s uncle and establishing a family connection that has always been at the heart of the orchestra.

Herb Miller first formed his orchestra in the United States in 1958. When he moved to the UK with his son John in 1981, the British Herb Miller Orchestra was born. Following Herb’s death in 1987, John continued his father’s musical legacy, keeping alive both the Miller family tradition and the unmistakable sound of the big band era.

Before his death in 2021, John made it his wish that the orchestra should continue in his name. With the blessing of his children, he passed the baton to his friend and fellow trombonist David Pearce, who had been John’s protégé for more than 30 years. John entrusted David with “the exclusive rights to the names Herb Miller and John Miller Orchestra”, ensuring that this unique musical legacy would continue for future generations.

Today, the John Miller Orchestra proudly celebrates the music of Glenn Miller while also exploring the rich repertoire of many other great bands and bandleaders of the swing era. The programme is further distinguished by music unique to the orchestra, including Herbie’s Jive and Remember Glenn Miller, alongside original compositions and arrangements written by Herb Miller himself.

More than simply a tribute to Glenn Miller, the John Miller Orchestra carries forward a genuine family musical tradition — keeping the Miller sound, history and legacy alive.

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