Black History Month Music: The Mills Brothers

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Yeah, I’m cheating today and tomorrow. So sue me. I’m on my way to see my friends in Louisiana. They’re great-grandparents now! Let’s travel with some great music in celebration of Black History Month. This will put a smile on your face! The Mills Brothers There were nine kids in the family, but four of them — John Jr., Harry, Don, and Herbert — formed a quartet and made some exquisite music. They were true pioneers, performing on radio shows with Caucasian acts like Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallee. They became the first black act to have their own network radio show. They were also the first black act to give a command performance for royalty in England, performing for King George V. Unfortunately, while in England, oldest brother John Jr. became ill with pneumonia and died. The brothers’ father stepped in for a while as the fourth vocalist, then they continued on as a threesome. Despite the changes in musical styles throughout the decades, the Mills Brothers remained popular. Throughout their career they sold over 50 million records. Although all the original members have died, their children (and grandchildren) carry on the family name and tradition of sweet harmony singing. The Mills Brothers John Mills, Jr., born October 19, 1910; died January 23, 1936, London, England (pneumonia) (age 25) Herbert Mills, born April 12, 1912; died April 12, 1989, Las Vegas, Nevada (viral meningitis) (77th birthday) Harry Mills, born August 19, 1913; died June 28, 1982, Los Angeles, California (complications of abdominal surgery) (age 68) Donald Mills, born April 29, 1915; died November 13, 1999, Los Angeles, California (pneumonia) (age 84) All born in Piqua, Ohio HALL OF FAME: Vocal Group, 1998 Look, it’s Nat “King” Cole again, introducing the Mills Brothers! Here’s one of their million-selling hits, “Glow Worm”: