Biography
During the 1950s and early 1960s the instrumental outfit Bob Miller And The Millermen became regular fixtures on British television and radio broadcasts. Several London performances, among them a notable engagement at the Locarno Ballroom in Streatham on Coronation Day, 2 June 1953, brought Miller to the attention of producers and secured his appearance on BBC Television’s Dig This. These opportunities soon translated into tours alongside such leading acts as Cliff Richard, Bobby Darin, the Four Freshmen and Shirley Bassey. Eight years on the television series Drumbeat, together with contributions to the radio programme Parade Of The Pops—“a review of the week’s popular music, and prediction of hits to come”—found the group supplying backing for many of Britain’s foremost vocalists while also presenting their own featured segments. Their discography encompassed the titles ‘Muchacha’, ‘Square Bash’, ‘Dig This’, ‘The Poacher’, ‘Little Dipper’, ‘In The Mood’, ‘My Guy’s Come Back’, ‘The Busker’s Tune’, ‘Manhunt’, ‘77 Sunset Strip’ and ‘Joey’s Song’. Yacht racing remained Miller’s central pursuit for much of his life; in June 1972 he competed in the Transatlantic Race, supplying daily radio commentary throughout the event.