Mitch Miller

[Billy Tonnesen]

My wife mentioned that they announced Mitch Miller had died. I'm sure that a lot of us old timers heard and played some of his Songs. I can't remember any specific ones right now but I know we have one of his Albums in our collection.

[Donald Ruetenik]

Back in the early '60s (I think) when his 'Sing along with Mitch...' program was on the TV, my folks would always watch and sing along out loud. I thought it was so hokey but I watched anyway.

I remember his smiling face and kind eyes that put you at ease. And I remember remarking to my Dad while watching one of the programs, "I thought you said anyone with a beard or goatee was a weirdo or Beatnik?" (Ah, challenging the Alpha-Male)

I never would've thought his bouncing hands on that black & white TV would instill a sense of tempi that I first understood strumming that $25 Montgomery Ward guitar a few years later. (I convinced my Dad that I wanted to try playing music because of watching Mitch Miller and a guitar was cheaper than a piano with my 'lawn-mower' money; it worked)

God Bless you Mr. Miller, you touched more people than you know.

[Terry Wood]

Mitch Miller was a super producer, A and R man, promoter, etc, etc.

You all would not believe all the music he promoted and had a hand involved.

Jerry Byrd shares the story in in his book "It Was A Trip On The Wings Of Music." He shares how Mitch hired him to fly from Nashville up to New York and record with Guy Mitchell. It is a true and funny story. When the session players found out Jerry couldn't read music for steel, he pannicked and Mitch came out and says "What's the matter Jerry?" To which Jerry said something to the effect "Well, I just as well pack up, I can't read this!" Mitch Miller laughs and says, "That's the best damn one liner Jerry, I have ever heard!" Mitch said go ahead a play it. Jerry proceeds to tell how he played and the other string orchestra and all are watching. Jerry said "Mitch ran out of the sound room and says "Just Great! It's just the way I wanted you to play it!" The rest is history on that one.

Mitch also was involved in several of Marty Robbins recordings, Frannkie Lane's great Cowboy Classics, etc. The guy was a genius!

GOD be with his family, and may he rest in peace.

Terry Wood

[Billy Tonnesen]

A lot of us could read simple lead sheets with the Melody notes and the names of the chords underneath. Then it was up to the individual to adapt it to the Steel Guitar. I asked Noel Boggs once if he had to read music on some of his sessions with pop Bands. He said when they asked if he could read music he always said yes and then played what he thought would fit. The rest of the Musicians just assumed he was reading the chart and the Producer thought it sounded great.

[Billy Wilson]

Mitch played the oboe solo on Charlie Parker's April in Paris on Bird with Strings. Great stuff!!