News

The vinyl revival has certainly brought its fair share of unexpected projects on 33 and 45…but how about 78 RPM?  Rollofone Records, a Texas-based independent label, recently announced plans to reissue ten sides from the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra as a limited edition album of five 78 RPM records entitled Swing for the Jukebox.

Featuring Miller’s signature “Moonlight Serenade” as well as the era-defining, chart-topping “In the Mood” and “Tuxedo Junction” and other hits like “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” Swing for the Jukebox has been licensed from Sony Music Entertainment, successors to RCA’s Bluebird label for which Miller (1904-1944) recorded.  All ten tracks have been remastered from the original metal master discs.  Rollofone is even using vintage equipment to create its 78s.

The label explains its process of using both current and classic technology: “In order to produce the most authentic experience possible we went to great lengths to get access to the original metal master discs.  As copying to tape would have introduced slight modifications to the sound not available at the time of the original recording, we opted to transfer and convert the sound into digital DSD format – which is not comparable to the digital formats you might know (like mp3 or CD). DSD digital audio cannot be edited.  It keeps the authenticity of the original audio in a perfect way and allows us to convert back to analog and to master the sound with vintage analog equipment.  We’re now getting ready to cut the master records.  Again, we’re not using modern stereo cutting heads but vintage equipment that might have been used in the RCA studios back in 1940’s.  Due to the rising demand of vinyl records we will have a delay in pressing – so unfortunately it might take a few weeks (or even months) before we can finally begin to ship the records.”

The Glenn Miller family has endorsed the project, stating in part, “My father has brought joy and happiness to many people around the world.  Thousands and thousands listened to his music, on the radio, playing in jukeboxes or on record players at home.  Though the taste of music has changed, his tunes are not forgotten.  This record collection has been lovingly created by Michaela Merz and her Rollofone team to bring the wonderful Glenn Miller sound back to where it belongs, to jukeboxes and record players.”

No release date has been firmed up for the big-band treasures Swing for the Jukebox.  The album of five 78 RPM records is a limited edition of 200 copies, around half of which have already been sold via pre-order.  Rollofone anticipates the price to be roughly $100.00.  You can sign up at the label’s website for more information.  You’ll also find sound samples there!  The link is below.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Swing for the Jukebox (Rollofone, 2016)

1. Over the Rainbow
2. American Patrol
3. Yours is My Heart Alone
4. Moonlight Serenade
5. Tuxedo Junction
6. Pennsylvania 6-5000
7. Imagination
8. To You
9. Fools Rush In
10. In the Mood