Marker Text:
Grandfather, William H. Mills, a local Jubilee Singer, had a barber shop here, 1871-1931. Father, John H., went to Ohio. Four sons, born there, formed first vocal group to overcome racial barriers, gaining a mass audience. Father was its bass, 1936-56; group endured, 1925-81.
The brothers, born in Ohio, where know for their harmony. They sang to a guitar, but people thought not. When Harry forgot his kazoo, he cupped his hands over his mouth and tired to emulate the sound of his kazoo, it sounded more like a trumpet. What a novelty. So John, became a tuba, Donald a trombone, Herbert and Harry trumpets. In 1926 when John Jr. died, his father took his place as bass singer. Here are a few of their hits that I've heard of. Also, go to the web site listed at the bottom of the page to hear a few of their songs. Take the Historic Photo Tour. Each page has a different song. Remember, the insturtments you hear in the background are the Mills Brothers making the sounds with their mouths!!!!
Glow Worm
Sweet Georgia Brown
It Don't Mean a Think
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
You Always Hurt The One You Love
Hold That Tiger
Jeepers Creepers
This site is where you will learn the history of the group.
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visit link)