LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND THE MILLS BROTHERS

Biography

Louis Armstrong and The Mills Brothers represent a landmark collaboration in American jazz and popular music, blending Armstrong’s virtuosic trumpet and charismatic vocals with the Mills Brothers’ innovative vocal harmonies. Armstrong, born in New Orleans in 1901, rose from poverty to become one of the most influential figures in jazz, known for his groundbreaking trumpet technique and distinctive gravelly voice. The Mills Brothers, originally from Piqua, Ohio, began as 'Four Boys and a Guitar' and became famous for their ability to mimic brass instruments with their voices, a technique that set them apart in the vocal group tradition.

Their partnership began in April 1937, when Armstrong, already signed to Decca Records, was paired with the Mills Brothers for a series of studio recordings and radio broadcasts. The combination of Armstrong’s relaxed swing and the Mills Brothers’ hornlike vocal effects proved natural and captivating, resulting in memorable renditions of songs such as 'Carry Me Back to Old Virginny' and 'Darling Nelly Gray.' These sessions not only showcased their musical synergy but also broke new ground for African-American artists in mainstream media, with Armstrong soon becoming the first African-American to host a nationally sponsored radio show and the Mills Brothers being the first African-American vocal group to host a network radio show.

Musically, their style fused big band swing, adult standards, and jazz, with Armstrong’s improvisational flair complementing the Mills Brothers’ tight harmonies and rhythmic innovations. Their collaborations influenced generations of musicians and helped popularize jazz and vocal harmony groups among wider audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in American music history.

Fun Facts

• The Mills Brothers were the first African-American vocal group to host a network radio show, breaking major racial barriers in broadcasting.
• Their vocal mimicry was so convincing that radio announcers had to clarify that only a guitar was used as an instrument—the rest was their voices imitating brass.
• Louis Armstrong became the first African-American to host a nationally sponsored radio show just days after his first recording session with the Mills Brothers.
• The Mills Brothers performed a command performance for British royalty in 1934, becoming the first African-Americans to do so.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Duke Ellington - Ellington helped launch the Mills Brothers' career by introducing them to Okeh Records after hearing them perform. (Facilitated recording contract and early exposure) [1920s-1930s]

Key Collaborators

• Louis Armstrong - Armstrong recorded multiple sessions with the Mills Brothers, blending trumpet and vocals with their harmonies. (Decca recordings (1937, repeated sessions), radio broadcasts) [1937-1940s]
• Bing Crosby - Frequent collaborator and mutual admirer, performed together in films and recordings. (The Big Broadcast (1932), various radio shows) [1930s-1940s]
• Bernard Addison - Jazz guitarist who joined the Mills Brothers after John Jr.'s death. (Live performances and studio recordings) [1936]

Artists Influenced

• Bing Crosby - Crosby incorporated Mills Brothers' harmonies and relaxed delivery into his own style. (Numerous recordings and performances) [1930s-1940s]
• Countless vocal harmony groups - Inspired future generations with their vocal mimicry and group harmonies. (Various, including later doo-wop and jazz vocal ensembles) [1940s onward]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. You Always Hurt The One You Love - 1958 version (Great Hits)
2. Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You) - 1958 version (Great Hits)
3. Paper Doll (Souvenir Album)
4. You Always Hurt The One You Love (The Anthology: 1931 - 1968)
5. Till Then (Souvenir Album)
6. Till Then (The Anthology: 1931 - 1968)
7. Till Then - 1958 version (Great Hits)
8. The Glow Worm - Single Version (The Anthology: 1931 - 1968)
9. I'll Be Around - 1958 version (Great Hits)
10. Paper Doll (Paper Doll)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia