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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMILLER, Eddie(b 23 June '11, New Orleans; d 1 April '91 North Hollywood) Tenor sax, also clarinet, occasional vocals. New Orleans infl. made his tenor a unique voice in the Swing Era, sweet yet swinging: played alto sax, joined Ben Pollock '30, switched to tenor; gigged with Dorsey Bros. pick-up band, was star of Bob Crosby band '34-42 and many reunions. Often worked with Crosby guitarist Nappy Lamare; occasionally led his own band (as in film You Can't Ration Love '43 with Donald O'Connor); on Red Nichols' last gig in Las Vegas '65; played many jazz festivals, with Pete Fountain in New Orleans '67-76; toured with World's Greatest Jazz Band. Lovely solos on Crosby records; records under his own name incl. Capitol sides '44 (arr. by Paul Weston). He played in a trio late '40s in L.A. with pianist Stan Wrightsman and guitarist George Van Eps, recorded twice on a Jump label, and recorded in London '78 in a duo with pianist Lou Stein (Lazy Mood For Two on 77). Other albums incl. With A Little Help From My Friend Pete Fountain on Coral '68; tentet A Portrait Of Eddie '71 on Blue Angel Jazz Club (L.A.), quintet It's Miller Time on Famous Door 79. |