From 7/31/11 Mr. Norman Leyden

An historic Big Band Era musical production with...

 94 year old American arranger and composer Mr. Norman Leyden who also wrote Glenn Millers' AAF Band's theme song 'I Sustain The Wings' in 1944.

When Glenn Miller went into the service he was given the Army Air Force Band to work with. An amazing orchestra with a full accompaniment of strings. Glenn's new theme song became 'I Sustain The Wings' which Norman Leyden wrote as well as arranging many other pieces for this great orchestra. Above: Norman Leyden today; Glenn Miller with the AAF Band 1944.   

Another one of Chris Valenti's 'This Is Is Your Life' style presentations with other special guests and surprises that include arranger of 1937's A Tisket A Tasket for Chick Webb & Ella Fitzgerald 96 year old Van Alexander. University of Colorado's Glenn Miller Archivist and Miller historian Dennis Spraag. Big Band writer and historian Jeff Karpinski. Air Force Seargents and listeners calling in to pay respects. Plus lots of great Glenn Miller music and our own Spencer Smartt.  

Just click the play button and enjoy! 

Below are liner notes from the U.S. Air Force Academy Bands The Falconaires from their tribute to Glenn Miller called A String of Pearls from 1999. All arranged by our special guest Mr. Norman Leyden. The Falconaires were also featured here on this same production of WYYR's Sunday Night Special on 2/27/11. You can find that production here.

Norman Leyden with Tex Beneke - Our Tex Greeting