In the '60s when rock 'n' roll began to show itself and infiltrate the then adult-dominated field of music, there were a few people who refused to accept it. Mitch Miller, who died July 31 at 99 and whose name is probably a mystery to anyone below 30, was one of them.
Below, see a video clip of NBC's "Sing Along With Mitch" show complete with vintage commercials.
Mitch Miller's weekly "Sing Along With Mitch" was a popular show on NBC. One could almost say Miller invented the dread karaoke with his weekly invitation to get viewers to join in.
But Miller wasn't only a sing-along conductor. He was also one of the powers behind Columbia Records and he figured in Columbia passing on Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. He also was not entirely enthusiastic of Bob Dylan coming to the label, but later relented. "He was singing in, you know, this rough-edged voice. I will admit I didn't see the greatness of it," he said years later.
Nevertheless, Miller propelled popular music along. His show featured Leslie Uggams, a pioneering move that gave a major singing role on a TV show to a minority woman. He produced many great talents, including Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and Percy Faith. He discovered Aretha Franklin.
Rock 'n' roll fans probably didn't enjoy listening to him in the '60s. We remember arguing with our folks many a night to not watch his show in favor of something hipper.
But you can't deny Miller's influence -- or his positive contributions. He kept alive some old traditions maybe longer than need be, but he also set the groundwork for some future changes. Sing along with that.
Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, issued the following statement on the death of Mitch Miller:
"Mitch Miller was a true musical renaissance man with career roles that ranged from record company executive and television star to producer, arranger, musician and classical conductor. He worked with legends ranging from Rosemary Clooney to George Gershwin to Mahalia Jackson, and he became known for his distinctive arrangements. In 2000, he received The Recording Academy® Lifetime Achievement Award for his celebrated career and remarkable contributions to the music industry. Our deepest sympathies extend to his family, friends, and all who were affected by his great work."
Note: Flowers are being placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of Mitch Miller today, August 2, 2010, at 1 p.m.. The star is located at 7013 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
A 10-minute clip from a typical "Sing Along With Mitch" show
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