Singer. He was a member of the African-American quartet, the Mills Brothers, who debuted in the early 20th century, singing with a smooth harmony jazz and mainstream popular songs. They were among the pioneers of African-American groups who gained commercial success with a national following. Born in a musical family, he was the last surviving member of the Mills Brothers. He first stepped onto the stage at 7 with his three older brothers. In 1930 they recorded their first hit, a rendition of a Dixieland Band favorite, "Tiger Rag," and "Nobody's Sweetheart," which became the first million-selling disc by a vocal group. They had their own national radio show at CBS Radio New York in the 1930s and were the first African American group to give a command performance before British royalty in 1934. The group is estimated to have sold more than 50 million records with hits including "Glow Worm," "Lazy River," "Cab Driver," "Basin Street Blues," and "Paper Doll," which alone sold six million copies in the first release. They also recorded with Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington, who is credited with introducing them to the recording business. Besides him, the group was assembled of his brothers John, Jr., Herbert, and Harry. When John Jr. suddenly died while touring in England, their father became part of the group for the next 20 years. After Harry's death, he and Herbert performed as a duet. For their contributions to the music industry, the group was presented a Grammy Award for Life Achievement in 1998 and was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame that same year. The Mills Brothers were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording. He died of pneumonia in Los Angeles, California. In the 21st century, the next generation of Mills performs their hit songs as "The Mills Brothers."
Singer. He was a member of the African-American quartet, the Mills Brothers, who debuted in the early 20th century, singing with a smooth harmony jazz and mainstream popular songs. They were among the pioneers of African-American groups who gained commercial success with a national following. Born in a musical family, he was the last surviving member of the Mills Brothers. He first stepped onto the stage at 7 with his three older brothers. In 1930 they recorded their first hit, a rendition of a Dixieland Band favorite, "Tiger Rag," and "Nobody's Sweetheart," which became the first million-selling disc by a vocal group. They had their own national radio show at CBS Radio New York in the 1930s and were the first African American group to give a command performance before British royalty in 1934. The group is estimated to have sold more than 50 million records with hits including "Glow Worm," "Lazy River," "Cab Driver," "Basin Street Blues," and "Paper Doll," which alone sold six million copies in the first release. They also recorded with Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington, who is credited with introducing them to the recording business. Besides him, the group was assembled of his brothers John, Jr., Herbert, and Harry. When John Jr. suddenly died while touring in England, their father became part of the group for the next 20 years. After Harry's death, he and Herbert performed as a duet. For their contributions to the music industry, the group was presented a Grammy Award for Life Achievement in 1998 and was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame that same year. The Mills Brothers were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording. He died of pneumonia in Los Angeles, California. In the 21st century, the next generation of Mills performs their hit songs as "The Mills Brothers."
Bio by: Linda Davis
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