The Glenn Miller Orchestra
The Years 1982 to 1983
The rugged valleys of southwestern Wisconsin are aflame with fall colors, but the beauty is lost to the people of various contorted positions in their seats aboard the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
This “Chattanooga Choo Choo” is a bus—not a train. It is a clothing-crammed home on wheels for the 19 members of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, a “ghost” band keeping alive the memory of one of America’s most beloved bandleaders
From the heartland’s winding roads to bustling city lights, this traveling band lives not only with memories of Glenn Miller’s timeless melodies but with the camaraderie and challenges of life on tour. Every day is a new performance, a new crowd, a new city—each echoing the swing, spirit, and joy of America’s big band era.
On this site, you’ll journey with us through those unforgettable years—1982 to 1983—when the Glenn Miller Orchestra crossed the United States and ventured abroad, carrying the music and heritage of a legend.
Discover backstage stories from life on the road, explore our extensive archives of concert photos, performance recordings, and video highlights from both American and Japan tours.
Step inside and relive the bus rides, the stage lights, the triumphs and tribulations, and the enduring bonds of musicianship. We invite you to experience the legacy of Glenn Miller, brought to life by a band dedicated to honoring the past, captivating audiences, and passing the torch of swing to new generations.
Compiled and created by Larry Newman (Trumpet 1982-1983)