CENTER FOR JAZZ ARTS DOCUMENTS LANDMARK EVENT IN HISTORY OF ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS July 18, 2006 Los Angeles --- The new, online exhibition "Abbey Road" was assembled in close cooperation with the archives of EMI Music Ltd. and provides the public with an intimate glimpse into the life of American musical pioneer Major Glenn Miller during the height of the Allied liberation of Europe. Documenting the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s September 16th, 1944 recording session in Abbey Road’s massive Studio One, the assembled photos capture a seemingly normal, musical afternoon in one of England’s most celebrated recording centers (formerly known as EMI Studios), but beyond the studio walls seen in the featured images is, in fact, a devastating period in British history, with the people of London, as well as their American allies, under daily, German, rocket attack. "We’re incredibly pleased to have had this opportunity to work with the archivists at EMI London to bring together this unique collection of images from their early history," stated Guy DeFazio, president and chairman of the Center for Jazz Arts. "Artists such as Glenn Miller were unparalleled in creating a shared sense of hope throughout the challenges of World War II, and the selected photographs from the Miller Orchestra’s time at Abbey Road continue to serve as extraordinary windows into the final months of his life." Of the many, personal accounts included in the accompanying text of the exhibition, long-time friend and personal manager Lieutenant Don Haynes described the sight of the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s June 23rd, 1944 departure for England by stating "A sight I will long remember was those fine musicians, who for the last ten days had had very little rest, with sore arms from countless inoculations, carrying, dragging, pushing their barracks and duffle bags, instrument cases, overcoats, and their carbine rifles strapped to their shoulders, pointing every direction, as they climbed those stairs and across the gangplank onto the (Queen Elizabeth)." When once discussing his personal introduction to Her Majesty the Queen of England, during an inspection of the local Red Cross facilities near their base, Don Haynes would also state "The Queen extended her right hand and shook my hand warmly, and smiling all the while said, ‘Leftenant Haynes, let me commend you, Captain Miller, and the members of your fine organization for the wonderful morale work you are doing. The Princess Elizabeth and Margaret Rose are avid fans of the Glenn Miller Band and listen to your nightly broadcasts over the wireless regularly’." Nearly twenty-years later, on June 6th, 1962, while working at EMI Studios, British music producer and EMI Records executive Sir George Martin would forever change the course of music history by auditioning a new group of lads from Liverpool known as “The Beatles.” Eventually working exclusively with Sir George, and naming their 1969 album after the tree-lined street where it was recorded, Abbey Road has since gone on to become the most recognized studio in the world. About the CJA: Established in 2004, the Center for Jazz Arts is an international institution devoted to the study and advancement of American jazz culture throughout the visual, literary, and classical arts, around the world. Through its primary operations in Los Angeles, it is building a prominent new platform of engagement for students, artists, educators, and the broader public, from every generation. For more information contact: Public Relations Center for Jazz Arts (866) 950-5200 info@centerforjazzarts.com [ back to top ]