The Glenn Miller Orchestra received the first gold record ever awarded for its version of “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and, in 1941, had more hit records than any artist in the history of the recording industry. In 1942, at the height of the band’s popularity, Glenn Miller enlisted and formed the Army Air Force Band to boost troop morale. After Glenn’s disappearance in 1944, the band was led by Tex Beneke until disbanding in 1950. In 1956, the Miller Estate authorized the formation of the present band due to popular demand generated by “The Glenn Miller Story” starring Jimmy Stewart. They thought it would run a couple of years.