Biography
Jackie Mills found himself in high demand as a drummer during one stretch of his career. He first took up guitar before switching instruments at age ten. By thirteen he was already fronting his own ensemble, which soon led to professional work across New York. During the 1940s he performed with the orchestras of Charlie Barnet, Teddy Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Boyd Raeburn, and Benny Goodman in the late part of the decade. He also appeared on several Jazz at the Philharmonic bills. Starting in 1949 he worked on and off for a decade as drummer in the Harry James Orchestra while maintaining additional studio activity. From the early 1960s forward, after earlier sessions with Dodo Marmarosa, Red Norvo, Gerry Wiggins, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Goodman, James, and others, Mills focused chiefly on record-company duties, serving as musical director for the Ava and Mainstream labels and largely withdrawing from active performance. As a leader he cut two titles, among them 1948 quintet tracks with Stan Hasselgard and Barney Kessel.
Albums
