American musician, conductor and record producer Mitch Miller died on Saturday in Lenox Hill hospital at the age of 99.

Mitch Miller, one of the most influential figures in American famous music during the 1950s until the early 1960s. He is the goateed orchestra conductor who requested Americans to “Sing Along with Mitch” on TV. He records as well as produced hits for Patti Page, Tony Bennett and other performers.

Margaret Miller Reuther, his daughter stated on Monday that his father passed away Saturday following a short ailment.

Mitch Miller was a principal recording boss at Columbia Records in the pre-rock ‘n’ roll generation. Being a producer and an arranger, he had lapses as well, popularly firing out on projects with Frank Sinatra, a young Aretha Franklin and generally avoiding the rise of rock.

Brooks Atkinson, a New York Times critic wrote in 1962 saying that Miller is an odd-looking man. He added that Miller’s sharp beard, wrinkled forehead, twinkling eyes and mechanical beat create him appear like a little creature as he appears briefly into the camera. Atkinson said that, “By now most of us are more familiar with his tonsils than with those of our families.”

According to Atkinson, Miller was a “first rate”, and praised him saying that he has the clear tone when singing, the aptness of the tempos, clarity of the lyrics and the variety as well as the seldom delight of the instrumental harmony.

Miller started in the recording industry with Mercury Records in late 1940, primarily on the classical part and later on with famous music. He then transferred to Columbia Records as head of its famous recording division.

Miller has worked with some of the stars with hit songs like Bennett, Page, Clooney, Jo Stafford and Frankie Laine. Miller’s decision to have Mathis shift from jazz to lushly romantic ballads launched Mathis as a superstar. Tony Bennett acknowledges Miller who supported him to become a popular singer.

Category : Breaking News, Posted at Aug 3rd 2010
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