Yesterday morning as I was waking up one of the questions that the radio show was asking, was about first gigs/concerts. Most of you who know me know that James was my first one, although I had played in numerous orchestral & band concerts.
However my story is Mum
1944, she was just 16. She lived in a village in Northamptonshire and within 5 miles of the village, there were 3 USAAF airdromes. Well they had a concert at the closest one, and althugh her parents weren't pleased she decided to go - after all it was in daylight & free .... so that gave her an advantage.
So, yes, she went. It was packed with the staff, and locals, as concerts during the war were good for moral, but also everyone knew who the performers were (that's why Mum wanted to go)
Well, have you guessed ...
Yes, it was the Glen Miller Band. He memory of everything always mentioned the fact that between note the band chewed gum.
So, if you are going to have a "first", then Glen Miller is about as good as you get!!!!
Glenn Miller & The Army Air Force Band - "IN THE MOOD" - November 13, 1943
I had to share this piece as it's one of my favourites, and one when I was in a Band I always found hard to play!!
Click to view
And this is a picture of her about a year later -