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As head of "artists and repertoire " for Columbia Records in the 1950s, Miller had an enormous role in shaping the popular music of his era.He helped rescue Columbia by producing records that were generally bright, upbeat and accessible. He gave the producer a much greater role in shaping the sound of recorded music.In the process, he infuriated artists like Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney, who felt he was disregarding musical and songwriting quality in favor of cheap, trivial novelty songs like Clooney's "Come On-A My House " or Sinatra's "Mama Will Bark. "He also hated rock 'n' roll, calling it "a disease, " and he generally kept Columbia out of rock 'n' roll for its first decade by passing on artists like Buddy Holly.He did have an ear for potential commercial value, however, and he made a small unsuccessful offer in 1954 to sign Elvis Presley. In the early 1960s, he joined in signing Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. But he tried to make Aretha a pop singer and he left Dylan in the company's "folk " division.It wasn't until the success of the Beatles in 1964 that Columbia finally reduced Miller's power and started signing artists like the Byrds.Ironically, Miller heard similar fire a decade earlier from critics who felt he was not friendly enough to classic popular standards.Sinatra ended up leaving Columbia and at one point reportedly said to Miller, "If you see me crossing the street, don't shake hands. Don't say hello. Just keep walking. "Miller said Sinatra's departure was no loss, feeling he could be replaced with Guy Mitchell, a handsome, bland singer who scored with catchy songs like "Singing the Blues " and "Heartaches by the Number. "Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2010/08/02/2010-08-02_mitch_miller_sing_along_with_mitch_host_and_music_producer_dies_at_99_after_shor.html#ixzz0vTv942cJ
I think he was all of that but also totally sincere.
My father preferred the rougher, edgier, Lawrence Welk.
Maybe he did know the difference, in which case he was an even bigger monster than I remembered.
Some of the comments here are in extremely poor taste. Someone passed away, and if you can't say anything nice then perhaps you shouldn't say anything at all.--Jerome
From 1961–1966, the American TV network NBC carried a karaoke-like series, Sing Along with Mitch, featuring host Mitch Miller and a chorus with the lyrics to their songs superimposed near the bottom of the TV screen for home audience participation.[2] The primary difference between Karaoke and sing-along songs is the absence of the lead vocalist. This renders most forms of sing-along songs as footnotes to Karaoke rather than precursors.
Mitch Miller took part in one of the greatest musical events that was ever recorded. The first Charlie Parker with strings session, held in New York city for Mercury/Clef November 30 1949.He played the oboe interlude on "Just Friends".The Parker solo on this recording is a profound balance of beauty and emotion.Passionate,delicate and intricate and born of a fiery imagination and originality.It saddens me to think there are many that have not heard this,but am hopeful that some will seek it out.
