Eddie Miller (jazz saxophonist)

Edward Raymond Müller (June 23, 1911 – April 8, 1991) was a jazz musician who played tenor saxophone and clarinet. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Life and career

In his early teens, Miller got a job selling newspapers so he would be eligible for a newsboys' band.[1] His professional career began in New Orleans at 16, with his recording debut occurring in 1930. He worked in Ben Pollack's orchestra and then with Bob Crosby. He stayed with Crosby until the band broke up in 1942. He had his own band for a brief time after that before being drafted. However, he was discharged from the military early because of illness and settled in Los Angeles. After that he worked with Pete Fountain, appeared in most of Crosby's reunions, and did club work. He also played with trumpeter Al Hirt.

Miller was also a songwriter, with his best-known song being "Slow Mood," later known as "Lazy Mood" after Johnny Mercer noticed the tune and composed lyrics. Miller was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1998.

He won numerous Playboy and Esquire Jazz polls. Miller finished his career with Pete Fountain, living in New Orleans. Miller died at age 79 in Van Nuys, California, of pneumonia.[1]

Discography

As leader
  • Frat Hop (Tops, 1957)
  • Armand Hug and His New Orleans Dixielanders/Eddie Miller and His New Orleans Rhythm Pals (Southland, 1958)
  • Tenor of Jazz (Fontana, 1967)
  • With a Little Help from My Friend with Pete Fountain (Coral, 1968)
  • A Portrait of Eddie (Blue Angel, 1970)
  • Just Friends with Armand Hug (Land O' Jazz, 1976)
  • Wild Bill Davison and Eddie Miller Play Hoagy Carmichael (Realtime, 1981)
  • Street of Dreams with Johnny Varro (Magna Graphic Jazz, 1982)
  • The Eddie Miller Quartet Plays Mostly Ellington (Audiophile, 2003)

As sideman
gollark: !exe WHY
gollark: U+202E.
gollark: Really? it strips U202E?
gollark: hello world!
gollark: hi!

References
  1. Eddie Miller; Jazz Woodwind Veteran Los Angeles Times obituary for Eddie Miller


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