Glenn was born and raised in Alhambra, California, a middling distance from Pasadena's New Year's Day extravaganza— far enough to not be overwhelmed by the bands, floats, on-lawn parking and the millions in attendance but not far enough to be completely insulated.

Glenn started playing a parade staple, the trombone, when he was in the fourth grade, gradually adding the string bass, clarinet and ophicleide, the latter being an old, keyed member of the bugle family that preceded the bass saxophone and was supplanted by the bass and contrabass tubas. By age 25 he was active in jazz bands, something that has continued thru life. Today, besides the Jelly Roll Jazz Band, he is active in the Devil Mountain J.B. and the El Dorado Syncopators. Past bands include the Golden Eagle J.B. and Tom Sharpstein's Orlandos.

Before coming north to enjoy his retirement, Glenn worked for the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works, becoming a Senior Contruction Inspector for Roads, Sewers and Storm Drains. Besides his wife, the family includes a stepdaughter and son.