Early Life
Douglass Miller was born on July 16, 1888, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the son of a farmer. He began singing at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was leading a local church choir.
In 1909, Miller moved to the United States, where he joined the Jubilee Singers, a world-renowned gospel group. He toured with the Jubilee Singers for several years, performing at churches, schools and other venues across the country.
Solo Career
In the early 1920s, Miller left the Jubilee Singers to begin a solo career. He recorded a number of gospel songs for various record labels, including Victor Records, Brunswick Records and Decca Records. His recordings were very popular, and he soon became one of the most popular gospel singers in the United States.
In addition to his solo career, Miller also formed a gospel group called the Douglass Miller Quartet. The quartet toured extensively throughout the United States, performing at churches, revivals and other events.
Radio Personality
In the late 1930s, Miller began hosting a weekly radio program called "The Douglass Miller Hour." The program aired on several radio stations across the United States, and it featured Miller singing gospel songs and interviewing other gospel singers. "The Douglass Miller Hour" was very popular, and it helped to spread gospel music to a wider audience.
Music Publisher
In addition to his singing and radio careers, Miller was also a successful music publisher. He founded the Douglass Miller Music Publishing Company, which published a wide variety of gospel songs. Miller's publishing company was very successful, and it helped to popularize gospel music around the world.
Later Years
Miller retired from performing in the early 1960s, but he continued to be active in the gospel music industry. He served as a consultant for several record labels, and he also wrote a number of books on gospel music.
Douglass Miller died on February 15, 1969, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 80 years old.
Legacy
Douglass Miller was one of the most influential gospel singers of the 20th century. He helped to popularize gospel music around the world, and his music continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Miller was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1991.
Awards and Honors
- Gospel Music Hall of Fame (1991)