And swing music is in again, which may introduce Miller's music to new generations. It's an amazing legacy for a man who was born to a poor Clarinda family on March 1, 1904. The tune featured vocals by Tex Benecke and the Modernaires. Miller and his band had nine gold records in 18 months. One reason, Negley noted, is that in Miller's day, everyone liked the same music.
Music is more diversified now.
Miller also pioneered modernization of the military band. He thought he could help out military efforts by jazzing up a Sousa march. According to some biographies, Miller perfected the sound he was searching for in New York around 1938. Miller's success, Carson said, resulted from mixing popular music with swing. Miller's vocalists also used a more pop style than the blues style of other bands.