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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, FrankieR&B singer, b Glasgow. To London with Stoics; discovered playing pubs by Robin Trower, who'd just left Procol Harum. They formed Jude with bassist Jim Dewar (ex-Stone The Crows) and drummer Clive Bunker (ex-Jethro Tull), but never recorded. Miller cut Once In A Blue Moon '73 with Brinsley Schwarz backing for Crysalis; attempt to form own band failed; went to New Orleans and made best LP High Life '74, with Allen Toussaint (title from Miller beer), songwriting split 50:50: standout tracks incl. Toussant's "Brickyard Blues', Miller's "Devil Gun'. He persuaded Henry McCullock (ex- Grease Band) to stay in a band with Chrissie Stewart, bass; Mick Weaver, keyboards; Stu Perry, drums. Returned to USA to make The Rock '75 with country prod. Elliott Mazer: great single "A Fool In Love', but again poor sales. Formed Full House with Ray Minhinnit, guitar; Charlie Harrison, bass; James Hall, keyboards; Graham Deacon, drums; band only survived to make LP Full House '77 incl. biggest hit at no. 6 UK: maudlin singsong "Darlin''. Other LPs incl. Double Trouble '78, Perfect Fit '79, Easy Money '80 on Crysalis, Standing On The Edge '82 on Capitol, of which three made lower reaches on USA LP chart. Signed with Phonogram '86; recorded with fellow Scot, ex-Thin Lizzie guitarist Brian Robertson: Dancing In The Rain '86 was disappointing hard rock aimed at USA market, co-writing by Jeff Barry. Other songs covered by Delbert McClinton, Ray Charles, Betty Wright, others. BBC Live In Concert CD on Windsong. |