Mitch Miller

American musician

What is Mitch Miller known for?

Mitchell William Miller, an eminent figure in American music, was born on July 4, 1911, in Rochester, New York. He passed away on July 31, 2010, having left a lasting impression on popular music during the 1950s and the early 1960s.

A graduate of Eastman School of Music, Miller began his iconic career in music as a player of the oboe and English horn, garnering extensive acclaim for his various classical and popular recordings. He attended East High School in Rochester before going on to his musical studies.

Miller's career spanned a wide array of roles in the music industry. Not only was he a professional oboist and musician, but he also made his mark as an American choral conductor, record producer, record-industry executive, and even a television host. He was involved in almost every aspect of the industry, particularly as a conductor and Artists and Repertoire (A&R) man.

Throughout his career, Miller worked with numerous well-known individuals and groups in the industry, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alec Wilder Octet, and music greats such as David Mannes, Andre Kostelanetz, Percy Faith, George Gershwin, and Charlie Parker. He even collaborated with the legendary Frank Sinatra on the 1946 recording of "The Music of Alec Wilder". Miller also made significant contributions to classical music, giving the American premiere of Richard Strauss's Oboe Concerto in a 1948 radio broadcast.

Miller continued to be a force in the music industry well into his later years, with a career that remained active from 1928–2005. In addition to recording and performing, Miller served as the head of A&R at Columbia Records. His influence extended to television as well, with his best-selling NBC television series, 'Sing Along with Mitch'.

Mitchell William Miller not only crafted a praiseworthy legacy through his personal performances and productions, but he also helped shape the landscape of mid-20th century popular music through his talents as a conductor, executive, and impresario.