Glenn Miller

Fort Morgan High School's Most Famous Graduate!

Glenn Miller is Fort Morgan High School's most famous graduate. His recording of “Chattanooga Choo Choo” sold over 1,200,000 copies before RCA awarded him the first gold record in history.

Glenn Miller joined the high school football team as a left end in the fall of 1919. The Maroons won the Northern Colorado football conference in 1920, and Glenn was named “Best Left End in Colorado.”

Meanwhile, Elmer Wells, his band and orchestra director, was having Glenn sit in with his own dance band, “The Wells of Music,” which played around Morgan County on weekends. This influenced Glenn to start his own dance band, the “Mick-Miller Melody Five.” By now, the desire to play trombone and to arrange music for his band was so great he decided to make music his lifetime career. That spark of inspiration kindled by Elmer Wells eventually caused Glenn to organize and lead the most popular of all the big band era - The Glenn Miller Orchestra!

For more information about Glenn Miller and his music, visit these sites:

Glenn Miller Orchestra has information about the Orchestra including touring information.

Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Glenn was born in Clarinda, Iowa where they host the largest, and best Glenn Miller festival every year.  To find out more visit this site.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Alumni Page highlights stories from orchestra alumni and fans.

Twinwood Control Tower  at Twinwood Airfield, Bedford, England. This is the airfield that Miller took off from for the fateful flight.  The Control Tower has been restored and houses a display dedicated to Glenn, along with RAF displays.