The Mills Brothers

The Mills Brothers, sometimes billed as The Four Mills Brothers, and originally known as The Four Kings of Harmony, were an American jazz and pop vocal quartet of the 20th century who made more than 2,000 recordings that combined sold more than 50 million copies, and garnered at least three dozen gold records.
Exploring the Remarkable Musical Journey of The Mills Brothers
The Mills Brothers was one of the most iconic and influential musical groups of the last century. This quartet, made up of four brothers, created timeless music that transcended genre, time and language barriers. From the early 1930s until the late 70s, their music ruled the airwaves and hearts of millions across the world. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at their extraordinary musical journey, their famous concerts, best songs and the genre they dominated.
The Mills Brothers musical story began in Piqua, Ohio, in 1928, with four brothers: John Jr, Herbert, Harry and Donald. Their unique style of harmonizing became their signature sound as they blended traditional jazz with pop, gospel, and R&B. The brothers also made history by becoming the very first Black musical group to have a radio show. Soon, they became one of the most popular groups in the USA and went on to release dozens of hit songs such as Paper Doll, Glow-Worm, and Cab Driver. Their unique style of scatting and barbershop quartets made them stand out in a crowded musical landscape.
Their music genre was far from ordinary and stood out at a time when jazz and blues were becoming increasingly popular. The Mills Brothers' music blended traditional jazz elements with contemporary swing beats and pop sensibilities, which made them appeal to broad audiences. Their music also featured charmingly vintage harmonies, upbeat tempos, and catchy melodies that any listener young or old could enjoy.
One of their most famous concerts was at the London Palladium in June of 1954, where they performed for a record-breaking 16 nights. Their performances broke the box office and became one of the most iconic concerts of the 1950s. Fans from around the world flocked to see them perform, and their popularity continued to grow.
When it comes to their best songs, it is hard to pick just a few. Some of their most notable songs include Paper Doll, Glow Worm, Cab Driver and Lazy River. Every song they produced had a charm that made it a hit, and their music was a staple in bars, clubs and jukeboxes across the world.
In terms of criticism of their music style and artistic merit, it's important to remember that The Mills Brothers were trailblazers in their approach to music and sung in a unique style that appealed to an extremely diverse audience. While they perhaps may not be considered as artistically prolific as their contemporaries, their presence in the industry during a period of deep-seated racial segregation carried considerable significance.
The Mills Brothers were an extraordinary musical group that broke down barriers of genre and race. They dominated the musical world for decades and left a timeless legacy of music that still resonates with listeners today. Their music will always be remembered as uplifting and joyous, making them one of the most beloved musical acts of their time. As we revisit their music, we appreciate their talent all over again and revel in their timeless melodies and captivating harmonies. The Mills Brothers will forever remain one of the greatest musical groups of all time.