When my Pop vocal group “The Sceptres” (Montreal, Canada), we were teens and fortunate to see The Mills Bro’s. At a club called “La Faison Bleu”, just north of Montreal. It was a week day and the club was virtually empty...always true of beginning of week. The Mills Bro’s. Cam out and performed like the club was full. After the set, they came out for a break and we introduced ourselves. They were absolute gentlemen. The take away from the experience was not only the absolute superb harmonies, but , for a young group, their superb control with one mic for the group, and the softness of their approach, impressed us so much that we always strived to be as professional at our gigs as these kings of vocal harmony. The best vocal group of all time, and a shout out to guitarist Norman Brown...superb. Bill Garry
Music like this makes TH-cam the best spot on the internet I've found. That last tune, "When You Were Sweet 16" is true unaccompanied Barbershop. They are all excellent.
I play this, and other music, and old movies and at first my kids rebel, but when they actually take a minute and listen, or watch, they really like it. No need for ratings. No foul profanity. Excellent.
I built an entire career remaking the songs of the Mills Bros. playing in lounges all over and I have always paid tribute to them for the contribution they made to real music, not what the kids call music today....they were an institution that will never be replaced..sadly
They were truly an American icon. They're harmonies and phrasing set the pattern for many future groups, especially during the doo wop era. Many today forget that the Mills were one of the favorite groups during WWII due to their versatility and selections. They show what it takes to make good music without outrageous lyrics, clothing, or loud instruments. This music is performed on talent, something many of todays performers think they can disguise.
I love listening to these men and dancing to their tunes. I grew up listening to this music because of my folks and I play them all the time; nothing so great as the Mills Brothers!
Mom, Are you listening..remember those Sunday mornings? coffee and those hits from the likes of the best ever...The Mills Brothers, Nat "King" Cole, Etta, Nina, Yes indeed , yes indeed
I can't get enough of these guys. I liked a lot of the men singers, but the Mills Brothers were just the best. They knock me out just as the others have said. Their voices blended like no one else. So sorry they are gone.
Patty Black I entirely agree the Mills Brothers are the best and always will be! I have a bunch of CDs and Vinyl of these guys. It really is sad they're gone. I'm way to young to have ever had the privilege of seeing them in person. Wish I could have lived in that era.
Gosh, their voices were so beautiful. Their barbershop harmony was relaxed and not the "lock-and-ring" style that can literally make your nerve-endings sizzle in reaction, but they sang so pleasingly that only a total grouch would ever make any kind of complaint. I love to hear them. Thank you for posting.
After their eldest brother, John Junior passed away in 1936, it's like they shifted direction and became an entirely different group. But in each case, they set the standard of excellence. Absolute, utter, jaw dropping perfection.
Aaaa, the masters teach the students, the real meaning of music and harmony. Lest I forget....when music was music. Lets go back these times..please. A tear for those times, lord help us all.
It is so wonderful to log onto a computer and bring up such talent as the Mills Brothers. You Tube makes it so easy to enjoy wonderful and varied "concerts". Thank you posters!
I would'nt call that Babrer shop harmonies, I would call it , ...Close Harmonies,. I love these guys, I used to play in a group that did a lot of harmony singing, We did glow worm. Singing with a vocal trio is a blast!
These guys had top 10 hits in 6 decades. How many other singers have done that? We heard them in the 50's and 60's and on. So grandparents, parents and children could have all heard different songs by them.
They began singing as children in front of their Dad's barber shop. So who can be more qualified to sing barbershop than the Mills Brothers. Also, their home town Piqua, Ohio appears to have something like a village green. It chokes me up.
WOW!... And to think of the absolute garbage we're subjected to on an almost daily basis.. GOD BLESS them all--the Mills Brothers. And..thanks for this excellent posting!
Why is it that comments are always filled with miserable people complaining about the present and glorifying the past? Music isn't a monolithic entity. It's wildly diverse. Chill out.
@navydoctrinidad ...............You hit the nail on the head Friend I"m only 58 and have been listening to them all my life as well. My folks played them all the time when i was growing up in the 50's. These guys, in my opinion, are smoother than Johnnie Walker Blue.
I live for this music. I can understand why so many groups were influenced by these great guys. I truly wish any of the music of today had even a touch of this!
todays "music"..cannot, I repeat cannot even touch this style and grace of these fine 'gentlemen'. We have gone so far off course...talent..pure and simple. Thank God.
Yes, their music is wonderful. As is lots of contemporary music. Music isn't a monolithic entity. You must recognize that *every* generation of old people trashes the present and glorifies the past. When this music came out there were plenty of old, cranky people calling it garbage and wondering why the music from the 20s was better. Just enjoy the music.
I remember hearing and seeing them in person when I was a little girl in the 1940’s. Even at that age I knew I was experiencing some wonderful sound and something very special. Here I am an elderly woman listening on U Tube and still amazed and enthralled by their wonderful songs. God bless their souls.
Beautiful, pure, lovely singing voices. Nothing compares in today's "music" (?). Songs my mother taught me by singing them over and over again to me as a little girl. I still remember them and love to hear them sing. What wonderful memories. Thank you You Tube for posting these, wonderful old songs by fantastic singers like the Mills Brothers. I am not 68 years young!
Never thought I could find this magnificent great rendition of this classic by the Mills Brothers. The introductory solo on "Let me call you Sweetheart" by ( Don) is simply unequaled.
This is just beautiful. It makes me feel like I was back in that time with a pin curled updo and one of those flair out bottom dresses watching them and falling in love with them and every note. Maybe afterwards, go to the corner diner and get a cherry coke vanilla ice cream float. And drop a coin in the jukebox. LOL I don't know, I just love this.
@crankbv1 As a Sweet Adeline I sang female tenor, first with a chorus and then in various quartets. My voice and my energy for all the traveling to rehearsals and performances are gone now, too (I'll be 62 presently), but I have fond memories. Some of the chord progressions are so intensely powerful and beautiful it's nearly enough to make a listener melt where (s)he sits, and I'd never have experienced that without barbershop music, or even dreamed it could be possible. Here's to the memories!
A simple Google of the Barbershop Harmony Society of America will get you there. Punch in your zip code where it says to, and there could be a chapter near you, here in the U.S?
the Mills Brothers are able to create the past with their singing even for those who are to young to have memories of it. that is part of their genius.
I am dedicating this to my Sweet Angel Barbara whom I will see very soon. These words echo my lifetime feelings. God really did give me an Angel; she saved my life, and brought me closer to God, I love her with all my heart- - forever.
I've always thought the word "class" to be overworked. So I rarely use it for that reason. But when I have to, I'd put that label on the Mills Bros. Ever since I can remember, they've been just that -- class! For example, notice the attire which goes back many a summer. The unfortunate social times they were born into did not dampen their spirits one bit. Props to the family!
It's great that someone saved and is now sharing these old memories of mine. Great performers and singers. Music will never be the same or as good. Just my opinion but even todays country is way off from what it was. I guess it's just called progress??? I'm 64 and not cranky or fussy but can't get into 99% of todays music, lyrics and outfits.
Dreamland was an amusement park in Coney Island 1903-1911. It specialized in freak shows. (see Wikipedia) The same woman wrote Dreamland and Sweetheart. A good career's work in two beautiful songs.
The Mills brothers, although influenced by many earlier groups like The Ink Spots, gave their interpretations a fresh and exciting twist!!! Love them all....and thanks for posting!
To be more specific.....Many of the Mills Brothers recordings in the 1940s were influenced by The Ink Spots' previous releases in the late 1930s. Having said that, the Mills Brothers' career started in 1928, and The Ink Spots' career started in 1934...I Believe.
wrong way round mate. donald mills himself puts it in perspective saying the mills brothers spent most of the year 1936 in England, and on returning found America had discovered the ink spots and gotten into them, and forgotten about the Mills Brothers, and they had to re-establish themselves
Sang barbershop in a sweet Adeline chorus 10 years. The famous women's international barbershop organization. Sang in my local chorus. Mens vocalajority concerts iloved to see and hear.
@GuinnevereB Hearing the Mills Bro's takes me back some. l sang bass in a quartet for 14 years,and enjoyed every minute. We were one of three quartets which were also part of a 52 man Barbershop chorus, all singing in 4 part harmony. lt was really something to hear believe me. The songs chosen by the Mill's were standard grass roots pieces to us,and l still have the music copies along with some 120 more. l'm almost 69 now and the voice has gone,but l miss those days and the guys l sang with.
this is great! Thank you so much for these fine memories.If I could only go back to those wonderful days with all my family and friends.God bless America!!!
"Nevertheless" on another channel got me a little emotional and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" finished me off. I had to listen to "Swing it, Sister" and "Tiger Rag" to bring me back up.
Aloha Miller What is your take on their rendition of "Gloria"? Does it come any better than that? When I was a kid, you could see them and other acts on what was called then "soundies." I still remember those days.
"Gloria" is incredibly smooth. I wish I could find a better recording of "Till Then". I still find myself humming and whistling "Till Then" all the time.
whos listening to the mill brothers in 2019 ?
The Mills Bros are the best and have been the best for decades. May God bless their spirits and their descendants
When my Pop vocal group “The Sceptres” (Montreal, Canada), we were teens and fortunate to see The Mills Bro’s. At a club called “La Faison Bleu”, just north of Montreal. It was a week day and the club was virtually empty...always true of beginning of week. The Mills Bro’s. Cam out and performed like the club was full. After the set, they came out for a break and we introduced ourselves. They were absolute gentlemen. The take away from the experience was not only the absolute superb harmonies, but , for a young group, their superb control with one mic for the group, and the softness of their approach, impressed us so much that we always strived to be as professional at our gigs as these kings of vocal harmony. The best vocal group of all time, and a shout out to guitarist Norman Brown...superb.
Bill Garry
Splendid
Donald Mills performed for 72 years....now that's longevity.
nothing, no one no how no where was better than these guys
Music like this makes TH-cam the best spot on the internet I've found. That last tune, "When You Were Sweet 16" is true unaccompanied Barbershop. They are all excellent.
I play this, and other music, and old movies and at first my kids rebel, but when they actually take a minute and listen, or watch, they really like it. No need for ratings. No foul profanity. Excellent.
Real Gentlemen, great harmonies, a great group.
I built an entire career remaking the songs of the Mills Bros. playing in lounges all over and I have always paid tribute to them for the contribution they made to real music, not what the kids call music today....they were an institution that will never be replaced..sadly
I've been listening to them for almost 70 years. It never gets old. Definitely the best vocalists ever.
They were truly an American icon. They're harmonies and phrasing set the pattern for many future groups, especially during the doo wop era. Many today forget that the Mills were one of the favorite groups during WWII due to their versatility and selections. They show what it takes to make good music without outrageous lyrics, clothing, or loud instruments. This music is performed on talent, something many of todays performers think they can disguise.
I love listening to these men and dancing to their tunes. I grew up listening to this music because of my folks and I play them all the time; nothing so great as the Mills Brothers!
I'm a vocal harmony guy. Sang doo-wop on the street corners of Brooklyn long time ago. These guys knock me out. Beautiful.
so true, best comment, Knock me out
Gosh, isn't it a shame we don't have this kind of music today!
Mom, Are you listening..remember those Sunday mornings? coffee and those hits from the likes of the best ever...The Mills Brothers, Nat "King" Cole, Etta, Nina, Yes indeed , yes indeed
I can't get enough of these guys. I liked a lot of the men singers, but the Mills Brothers were just the best. They knock me out just as the others have said. Their voices blended like no one else. So sorry they are gone.
Patty Black I entirely agree the Mills Brothers are the best and always will be! I have a bunch of CDs and Vinyl of these guys. It really is sad they're gone. I'm way to young to have ever had the privilege of seeing them in person. Wish I could have lived in that era.
They are Not gone they will live through their music forever and we will always listen to them because they were the best
I these guys have no equal, never a bad note from them, and no discrimation either. That is why GOD put them on earth!!!
It doesn't get any better than the Mills Brothers.
Gosh, their voices were so beautiful. Their barbershop harmony was relaxed and not the "lock-and-ring" style that can literally make your nerve-endings sizzle in reaction, but they sang so pleasingly that only a total grouch would ever make any kind of complaint.
I love to hear them. Thank you for posting.
After their eldest brother, John Junior passed away in 1936, it's like they shifted direction and became an entirely different group. But in each case, they set the standard of excellence. Absolute, utter, jaw dropping perfection.
Aaaa, the masters teach the students, the real meaning of music and harmony. Lest I forget....when music was music. Lets go back these times..please. A tear for those times, lord help us all.
im a caregiver and I love playing all this music for my LO They don't make music like this anymore
This group is the 'Glen Miller" of vocal groups ....thick, lucious, rich, superb!!!
Good music is good music...... old or new .
It is so wonderful to log onto a computer and bring up such talent as the Mills Brothers. You Tube makes it so easy to enjoy wonderful and varied "concerts". Thank you posters!
I would'nt call that Babrer shop harmonies, I would call it , ...Close Harmonies,. I love these guys, I used to play in a group that did a lot of harmony singing, We did glow worm. Singing with a vocal trio is a blast!
All I can say is WOW! This is magic, if you don't like this mix you have no idea of what music really is.
You can't get any better vocal harmony!! the Mills Brothers are fantastic. A hip barber shop trio!!
These guys had top 10 hits in 6 decades. How many other singers have done that? We heard them in the 50's and 60's and on. So grandparents, parents and children could have all heard different songs by them.
I was born in 64 and I just recently Found the Mills Brothers and its Happy Music uplifting my Soul. I'm hooked from now on.
Millss brothers great singing a valentine favorite save. For Feb. 14 to listen to from a former. Sweet Adeline member.
Absolute perfection and I am 25 years old and love, I'm talking LOVE these guys!
I’m pretty sure your 31, how silly of you
Who was ever better? Nobody, no time, no place, no how!
so right you are. no voice adjustment required just pure talent.
Robert Catesby not better, but I always liked the Ames Brothers.
The Platters were great singers too.
Love, love, love these guys. ♥️ Perfection ♥️
I WANT A GIRL JUST LIKE THE GIRL MARRIED DEAR OLD DAD!!!
They were the absolute best and still are today...thank you the Brothers Mills !
They began singing as children in front of their Dad's barber shop. So who can be more qualified to sing barbershop than the Mills Brothers. Also, their home town Piqua, Ohio appears to have something like a village green. It chokes me up.
WOW!...
And to think of the absolute garbage we're subjected to on an almost daily basis..
GOD BLESS them all--the Mills Brothers.
And..thanks for this excellent posting!
Why is it that comments are always filled with miserable people complaining about the present and glorifying the past? Music isn't a monolithic entity. It's wildly diverse. Chill out.
I grew up in the late 1960s. I'm a blues rock drummer. But so appreciate this stuff. What true talent!!
How fortunate we are and wonderful it is we are still able to listen beautiful music and melody like this again. It truly makes me feel young again.
@navydoctrinidad ...............You hit the nail on the head Friend
I"m only 58 and have been listening to them all my life as well.
My folks played them all the time when i was growing up in the 50's.
These guys, in my opinion, are smoother than Johnnie Walker Blue.
When Don sings the solo's you can hear him take each breath. And even they sound beautiful.
I live for this music. I can understand why so many groups were influenced by these great guys. I truly wish any of the music of today had even a touch of this!
@Shelby...Their female opposites were the Boswell Sisters.
I agree 100%---these fellas had the magic---you either have it or you don't!
todays "music"..cannot, I repeat cannot even touch this style and grace of these fine 'gentlemen'. We have gone so far off course...talent..pure and simple. Thank God.
Yes, their music is wonderful. As is lots of contemporary music. Music isn't a monolithic entity. You must recognize that *every* generation of old people trashes the present and glorifies the past. When this music came out there were plenty of old, cranky people calling it garbage and wondering why the music from the 20s was better. Just enjoy the music.
If someone fell in love a sound ,it happened. Velvety soft , clean vocals. You can not compare them with others.
. For me they biggest .
I remember hearing and seeing them in person when I was a little girl in the 1940’s. Even at that age I knew I was experiencing some wonderful sound and something very special. Here I am an elderly woman listening on U Tube and still amazed and enthralled by their wonderful songs. God bless their souls.
This is music from my childhood as well and I love it so much and it make me cry as well. Thank you so much TH-cam.
Silky smooth - the best. What harmony
Millsbrothers. Are great
Love to listen
Beautiful, pure, lovely singing voices. Nothing compares in today's "music" (?). Songs my mother taught me by singing them over and over again to me as a little girl. I still remember them and love to hear them sing. What wonderful memories. Thank you You Tube for posting these, wonderful old songs by fantastic singers like the Mills Brothers. I am not 68 years young!
Who in the hell were the 3 who didn't like this? For shame!
Memories of gentler times..
OH! OH! AM I IN HEAVEN? SURE SOUNDS LIKE IT!!! LUCKY ME!!
I close my eyes and listen and time just stops.........can't tell you how much I enjoy this........
Never thought I could find this magnificent great rendition of this classic by the Mills Brothers. The introductory solo on "Let me call you Sweetheart" by ( Don) is simply unequaled.
Classic stuff!
I couldn't agree with you more! This is real music.
Oh my,so great!
This is just beautiful. It makes me feel like I was back in that time with a pin curled updo and one of those flair out bottom dresses watching them and falling in love with them and every note. Maybe afterwards, go to the corner diner and get a cherry coke vanilla ice cream float. And drop a coin in the jukebox. LOL I don't know, I just love this.
lovely.
Harmony supreme R.I.P. Brothers 😢.!
What beautiful voices. I remember them from my youth. They were the best.
When I was young, my dad and I sang these songs together at least once a week. What wonderful memories
@crankbv1 As a Sweet Adeline I sang female tenor, first with a chorus and then in various quartets. My voice and my energy for all the traveling to rehearsals and performances are gone now, too (I'll be 62 presently), but I have fond memories. Some of the chord progressions are so intensely powerful and beautiful it's nearly enough to make a listener melt where (s)he sits, and I'd never have experienced that without barbershop music, or even dreamed it could be possible. Here's to the memories!
I love barbershop songs it's a lost art.
The barbershop craft is alive and well. Google and youtube it.
A simple Google of the Barbershop Harmony Society of America will get you there.
Punch in your zip code where it says to, and there could be a chapter near you, here in the U.S?
the Mills Brothers are able to create the past with their singing even for those who are to young to have memories of it.
that is part of their genius.
Quintessential harmonic voices that have fed subsequent professional and amateurs for decades - not ending anytime soon! Sublime!
Thanks for putting this together. I grew up listing to this. Never gets old!!!!!
Their country album is wonderful!
So, so sorry they are all gone! 😥
I am dedicating this to my Sweet Angel Barbara whom I will see very soon. These words echo my lifetime feelings. God really did give me an Angel; she saved my life, and brought me closer to God, I love her with all my heart- - forever.
The Best of the Best.
I usually just listen to the great lead song in this UTube. Now I'm listening to the last.....Sweet Sixteen...and I'm blown away.
I've always thought the word "class" to be overworked. So I rarely use it for that reason. But when I have to, I'd put that label on the Mills Bros. Ever since I can remember, they've been just that -- class! For example, notice the attire which goes back many a summer. The unfortunate social times they were born into did not dampen their spirits one bit. Props to the family!
glad for all old songs
Jay Young
How could 3 people actually dislike this music..????..I have great sadness for you, whoever you are!!
They are the best!@ Just love it
I'm with you Uli!
The greatest harmony group that ever made recordings
Simply Beautiful!
Beautiful.
THE BEST!
It's great that someone saved and is now sharing these old memories of mine. Great performers and singers. Music will never be the same or as good. Just my opinion but even todays country is way off from what it was. I guess it's just called progress??? I'm 64 and not cranky or fussy but can't get into 99% of todays music, lyrics and outfits.
Now, This is music !!
Dreamland was an amusement park in Coney Island 1903-1911. It specialized in freak shows. (see Wikipedia) The same woman wrote Dreamland and Sweetheart. A good career's work in two beautiful songs.
I SOOOOO AGREE!!! Bring back the old goodies. I love it.
The Mills brothers, although influenced by many earlier groups like The Ink Spots, gave their interpretations a fresh and exciting twist!!! Love them all....and thanks for posting!
The Mills Bros came before the Ink Spots.
To be more specific.....Many of the Mills Brothers recordings in the 1940s were influenced by The Ink Spots' previous releases in the late 1930s. Having said that, the Mills Brothers' career started in 1928, and The Ink Spots' career started in 1934...I Believe.
wrong way round mate. donald mills himself puts it in perspective saying the mills brothers spent most of the year 1936 in England, and on returning found America had discovered the ink spots and gotten into them, and forgotten about the Mills Brothers, and they had to re-establish themselves
Sang barbershop in a sweet Adeline chorus 10 years. The famous women's international barbershop organization. Sang in my local chorus. Mens vocalajority concerts iloved to see and hear.
@GuinnevereB Hearing the Mills Bro's takes me back some. l sang bass in a quartet for 14 years,and enjoyed every minute. We were one of three quartets which were also part of a 52 man Barbershop chorus, all singing in 4 part harmony. lt was really something to hear believe me. The songs chosen by the Mill's were standard grass roots pieces to us,and l still have the music copies along with some 120 more. l'm almost 69 now and the voice has gone,but l miss those days and the guys l sang with.
Four of the most beautiful voices. I can still hear my dad singing this to my mom when I was little.....willyleeman's Bonnie
My father danced with me on my wedding day to this song. I love you dad.
The Mills Brothers are my favorite singing group of all time.
On my wedding day, I'm going to dance the first dance to this song--by the Mills Brothers and no one else.
I love it... It is one of the most beautiful musical performances I've ever heard.
I love them. Have them on vinyl. Thanks for posting these.
where have these guys been my whole life?! their tones are so creamy and smooth!
Pure talent! True gentlemen! This makes me smile.:)
this is great! Thank you so much for these fine memories.If I could only go back to those wonderful days with all my family and friends.God bless America!!!
Heavenly voices!!
Takes me back to the forties .
Thank you what a blessing to hear the best music ever. We feel soory for our grandchildren who have no idea how special this music is. Pat
Thank you so much for this beautiful music. Its one of the few things that makes me happy to be alive.
What harmony, what talent. I consider myself lucky to appreciate the music of groups such as this.
"Nevertheless" on another channel got me a little emotional and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" finished me off. I had to listen to "Swing it, Sister" and "Tiger Rag" to bring me back up.
Aloha Miller What is your take on their rendition of "Gloria"? Does it come any better than that? When I was a kid, you could see them and other acts on what was called then "soundies." I still remember those days.
"Gloria" is incredibly smooth. I wish I could find a better recording of "Till Then". I still find myself humming and whistling "Till Then" all the time.
No, it doesn't get any better! I love these guys! What vocal group was ever half as good? Nobody!
Astonishing harmony. Thank you for sharing. They are favorites of mine since I can remember......late 1950s.
Love the smooth voices and harmony of these brothers. They all were one in a million!