The Mills Brothers

The Mills Brothers, a timeless harmony and unique sound that to this day cannot be beat. The brothers, Donald, Harry, Herbert, and John Jr., would learn to sing through church, school, and their father John Mills Sr., who would mentor the boys throughout their youth. The brothers would perform at their fathers barbershop and would become a local hit, eventually being picked up by radio where they would perform their first hit "Tiger Rag". As the group progressed in their career they became a international hit and were taking a world tour until tragedy struck as their brother John Mills Jr. would grow deathly ill and succumbed to them in 1936. The remaining brothers were discouraged do to the passing of their brother but with encouragements from their mother Ethel, and their father joining the group, the brothers would continue their long career. The Mills Brothers looking for a guitarist would go through a few but would eventually settle on Norman Brown of the Basie band and would be their guitarist until his passing in 1969. The brothers father would retire leaving just the trio to sing up until 1982 when Harry Mills passed away. After Harry's passing Herbert retired leaving Donald as the last brother left of the group. Donald Mills would then sing with his son John Mills III and the Platters' Elmer Hopper until 1999 when Donald passed. Currently John Mills III holds onto The Mills Brothers name and still performs at concerts to this day. This playlist is dedicated to their legacy, may the brothers and everyone involved be remembered.