John Miller Orchestra

The Miller Connection

The John Miller Orchestra - formerly The Herb Miller Orchestra - is the only big band performing the music of Glenn Miller that had direct family links to the great man himself, in the form of Herb Miller, his brother, and John Miller, his nephew. In the Miller family, there were three brothers and a sister. In order of appearance they were: Dean, Glenn, Herb and Irene. Herb was John's father which made Glenn, John's uncle.

Herb Miller first established his orchestra in the USA as early as 1958, and when Herb moved to the UK with his son John in 1981, the British Herb Miller Orchestra was born.  Herb Miller passed away in 1987, and John Miller in 2021. 

It was John's wish - and with the blessing of his children - that the orchestra should carry on in his name. John passed the 'baton' to trombonist and friend, David Pearce, who was John's protégé for over 30 years, leaving David "the exclusive rights to the names Herb Miller and John Miller Orchestra".

While the orchestra naturally plays a lot of Miller, we also delve into the library of all the other big band greats. There's also a welcome extension with special numbers exclusive to the orchestra, pieces like "Herbie's Jive" and "Remember Glenn Miller" as well as original compositions and arrangements by Herb himself.


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Our History

Herb Miller

Herb Miller

Herb Miller developed his musical talent very much under the guidance of his elder brother Glenn, and went on to form various bands in America. It was not until many years after the mysterious disappearance of Glenn that Herb decided he wanted to recreate the 'Miller Magic' and form an orchestra to play the music of his brother.


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John Miller

John Miller

When Herb Miller died in September 1987 - just days before a 28 date tour of Norway, Denmark and Sweden - John Miller took over the direction of the Herb Miller Orchestra. 15 years after Herb's passing, it was decided in 2002 that the band should be renamed: The John Miller Orchestra was born. 


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David Pearce

David Pearce

David Pearce was only 8 years of age when he first met John Miller. John and David were friends for over 30 years and when John Miller passed away in July 2021, the responsibility of the John Miller Orchestra was handed over to David.


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Contact us

Email:

info@johnmillerorchestra.com


PHONE:

+44 (0)7791 345608


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