The Mills Brothers - I Heard

Young the Mills Brothers sing their hit "I Heard".
From movie "Twenty Million Sweethearts" 1934
Very rare!!!

[@celticdollface]

This is real talent. The Mills brothers were huge in around the 1930's and on.. that's almost 100 years ago. Does anyone think that any of the singers today will still be getting enjoyed much less listened to in 100 years time ? I don't think so.

[@990183]

The level of greatness going on here is absolutely off the charts incredible. First off the guy playing tenor guitar is absolutely killing it AND at the same time singing the low bass lines simulating a Bass guitar, plus he sings great. Then the tight lining up of all the vocals, great harmonies, bang on pitch, plus the guys also simulating Trumpet and trombone parts. If you had your eyes closed you’d swear there was a band there. This is perfect singing, notice how they don’t open their mouths ten feet wide like so many pop and rock singers these days (it’s no wonder most of them end up hurting their voices) dropping your jaw and opening wide and singing too loud is the kiss of death for vocalists. Look at also Roy Orbison, barely opened his mouth when singing, but always had the vocal goods. Killer stuff, the best vocal group of all time, absolutely no contenders.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

No arguments here.

[@aranos6269]

Now that is for some 40 years they only mime to a track that was doctored by seversl producers and sound engineers

[@Caskchap]

A brilliant observation, informative, entertaining and educational thank you. The Mills Bros were absolutely brilliant.

[@rufflock]

They are one of the greatest vocal groups ever!

[@petertaylor3600]

Unfortunately, they WERE. I was born far too late, I feel. I missed most of this! Still fascinated at their ability to scat (nobody ever did it better). Also the dead lookalike of the one on the right (your left) of the mic and the one who didn't survive. He with the flying fingers over the guitar.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

@@petertaylor3600 You are talking about Donald and John, Jr.; yes, they DO look a bit alike, don't they?

[@BruceLee-qv5vs]

You got that right👏🏻👍🏻

[@janvertonghen14]

@@cynthiapickett7403 They are brothers after all

[@DavidHaile_profile]

I'm so glad I found this! It has been a long while since I focused on the Mills Brothers. Time to do it again! Sheesh - they were good.

[@JillZackro]

It's always a good time to listen to the Mills Brothers!

[@FiveBlackFootedFerrets]

Absolutely magnificent!

[@jimbutler3373]

I never get tired of listening to the Mills Brothers.

[@cherylwilkinson3228]

They just make me smile.

[@Despomann]

Every time i Come Back i Just got a big Smile on my face, always makes my Day better 😊😊😊

[@RumahDiLaut]

such... swag.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

One word not usually heard in association with this vocal group, for some reason.

[@robertdiotalevi285]

Real dope.

[@zapdunga12]

This song "I Heard" and "How'm I Doing, Hey Hey" were both written by the great Donald Matthew Redman (July 29, 1900 - November 30, 1964). He was an American jazz musician, arranger, bandleader, and composer. Beginning by playing the trumpet at the age of three, Redman joined his first band at the age of six and by the age of 12 was proficient on all wind instruments ranging from trumpet to oboe as well as piano. In 1923, Redman joined the Fletcher Henderson orchestra, mostly playing clarinet and saxophones. He began writing arrangements, and Redman did much to formulate the sound that was to become swing. Redman formed his own band in 1931, gaining a residency at the Manhattan jazz club Connie's Inn. Redman signed with Brunswick Records and undertook a series of radio broadcasts. Redman and his Orchestra also provided music for the animated short 'I Heard', part of the Betty Boop series produced by Fleischer Studios and distributed by Paramount. Redman composed original music for the short, which was released on September 1, 1933. The Brunswick records Redman made between 1931 and 1934 were some of the most complex pre-swing hot jazz arrangements of popular tunes. Redman's band did not rely on just a driving rhythm or great soloists, but it had an overall level of arranging sophistication that was seldom heard by other bands of the period.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Just unbelievable talent

[@danielgeniola8977]

This music reminds me there is more to live for in this sad and lonely world

[@glenyswana7259]

Brilliant

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Glenys, How are you doing?

[@essexpeter6116]

Absolutely brilliant sound. Such a shame that the oldest brother died so young.

[@SatchmoSings]

Recorded with ONE microphone on ONE track in ONE take with no auto-tune, limiting or any other stupid garbage; just four people standing before the mic making real music with no artifice except for occasionally leaning into the microphone; that's it; nothing else.

[@WOKINTUSD]

singing looks easy in fact its really hard to do it. they are real good

[@petercushingsexcrementnigh7250]

Auto tune hasn’t been used in a decade

[@nidollc9664]

@@petercushingsexcrementnigh7250 Yes it has. Not at the level you're thinking about, but it gets used in just about every pop vocal track, PETER.

[@petertaylor3600]

@@WOKINTUSD Who said it looks easy?. There must have been hours of practise and rehearsal to get perfect sound and blending like this.

[@petertaylor3600]

@@WOKINTUSD This is another go at getting here: Who says it looks easy? It would have taken hours of practise and rehearsal and simple musical skill and they had that absolutely.

[@deborahtorgler7491]

I do absolutely love the Mills Brothers. What really amazes me is how well rehearsed they always are. Their songs are so tight you couldn't slip a knife in between those perfectly enunciated, perfectly in unison and in tune notes. Just love it!

[@JillZackro]

Wonder if anyone or more incredibly four singers can do it today without technological assistance. I must give credit to Michael Jackson. His voice was flawless when singing a cappella.

[@allaboutrecords]

The Mills Brothers in their prime! Simply flawless!

[@peterbland7227]

Besides the amazing singing, that is some snazzy guitar playing!

[@eriknorlin4287]

Kings!

[@dahna4822]

Just WOW!❤❤❤

[@labanachecklowery5662]

The Mills Brothers are awesome!!!!

[@gg4gb1914]

Imagine now all 5 are together The original 4 plus Dad and a back up Guitar Norman Brown. WOW that would be a sight !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cynthiapickett7403]

Yep!

[@movement26]

Another gem by The Mills Brothers.

[@mamarremamarremamarremamar4092]

Perfect

[@jiminycriket]

Amazing vocalizations! 😀

[@fncz]

Smooth and effortless!

[@handiman5]

A class act!

[@OfficiallymeSaS1221]

Love this ❤

[@vo0sto0]

Really Really Good! and that's coming from a 21 year old dude, I love this stuff!

[@orchardist1965]

I defy anyone not to tap their toes when listening to this fabulous group.

[@UXASSAKY]

This one's golden in all it's brilliance!

[@harlowsplace]

this was a GEM of watching the young Mills Brothers in this 34 movie clip! thank you for sharing Four Boys & a Guitar! Great scats at the end!

[@kathyoverton998]

One of my favorite Mills Brothers songs!

[@anderslind6833]

When John Jr. died of TBC in 1936, they lost half of their act, I think. Playing guitar and singing the bass line takes great talent, and listen to his break at 1:10, this guy was also a swinging rhythm master.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

I am SO glad i'm not the only whohas said/thought this--and Iam a NEW fan!

[@cynthiapickett7403]

And John, Jr, definitely would have eventually gone electric, as such guitars were just beginning to be used in big bands at the time.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

People don't know or realize that the eldest brother was at the time the undisupted leader of the vocal group.

[@gg4gb1914]

@@cynthiapickett7403 True But you know what I like about How they sing? It is how Donald goes solo for a short bit and then harmony then Harry goes solo then harmony again. And Herbert keeps everyone in check in the background. You don't even realize what Herbert does until you stop and focus on him. Like he is the silent genius. Herbert sings solo on the song Blackbird. but he always gives his brothers the spotlight. What a class act.

[@soonerlegendspodcast]

That's not a guitar he's playing it's a ukulele made by the martin guitar company

[@Oshunlife]

Amazing!!! These guys have changed my whole musical outlook

[@NatiDeNut]

Wonderful!

[@yaminoonna3218]

Rip legends now they sing in heaven❤

[@gregganderson5458]

Perfection!

[@SlOwRoGaN]

It’s like having 4 of the guy from police academy 😂 I love it

[@scottstacey7447]

I wished the studio would have let them played this tune like the way they recorded it for Brunswick in which every brother was allowed to solo and then they finished the tune with great ensemble work.

[@RRaquello]

In a movie they'd almost never give a song that much time if it was a dance number. I guess they figured the audience would get tired just watching singers if there wasn't some dancing going on.

[@douglasrodrigues9567]

Toda vez que alguém curtir este comentário voltarei para ouvir está linda e bela canção

[@petertaylor3600]

Wadden-de-nah-wah...... that right hand flashing so fast it's a blur. Perfect timing and harmony. What it must have taken to achieve perfection and blended voices. I think they're wonderful (were wonderful). Nobody did the guitar work so perfectly suited to the group. "Boys" was the word they used in those days but they were artists in the best sense.

[@robertappel9926]

they were Annointed by the Holy spirit

[@petertaylor3600]

Wadden-di-nahwah......!

[@robertchesnosky5427]

THE MILLS BROTHERS AND THE INK SPOTS BEGAN THE VOCAL GROUP ERA THAT LATER LED TO THE DOO WOP ERA.

[@MrSirCamper]

Amazing!!! Thank you very very much!!!

[@davidleal1950]

thank you so much for posting and contributing to these successes!

[@wickedbaron2180]

I love the Mills Brothers! Thanks for uploading this, it's really great to see them actually performing this song.

[@TimoGramophone]

I love it, one of their best!

[@brandonkelley5434]

Pure talent!

[@lhdollbaby]

love it so!!!!!! true talent raw and pure

[@MissRosie89]

You can understand every word ... and they're worth hearing! Their trousers cover their backsides, they're clean, dapper, handsome gentlemen, they don't have to resort to profanity to get attention, they seem intelligent, articulate, and happy to be alive. The world has much to learn from the four lads from Piqua. Cheers for the upload!

[@j.stephenson6468]

Absolutely. It's refreshing to see. D**g shame the way things seem to be going.

[@cynthiapickett8342]

Keep in mind that in the 1930's, not even derelicts wore sagging pants; that was unheard of.

[@zebgf261]

shuuuuut the fuck up

[@doug81280]

Too bad Piqua treated them like shit.

[@petertaylor3600]

Shame that John Jnr. died so young (1936) of pneumonia. They had others later but nobody could do it like he did it. They were all those things and more. I knew the Mills Bros. all my life but never took a great deal of notice until I discovered the early recordings like this, can't get enough. Perfect timing and harmony.

[@LuizFelipe-lk1hs]

I was checking The Mills Brothers' wiki only to find out that each member don't have a specific wiki page for them, also I was surprised to find out that John Jr., the one playing guitar, died in 1936 - which the wiki doesn't specify of what, they simply say he fell ill and died on early 1936.

[@SB-se7vb]

He contracted either tuberculosis or pneumonia after their gig in the UK. He fell ill when they returned and he shortly passed away thereafter.

[@ggggonzalez]

You know what that is? The end? it is HARMONY SCAT!!! Scatting in harmony? Unbelievable!!!

[@martinamorgan1119]

The best

[@soulvigilante]

This is why technology is destroying humanity. No one with a cell phone has the discipline and focus to become this polished or sophisticated.

[@vincelong3132]

WOW

[@Shabannie]

Thank you for posting. -------Ellen

[@howardstern666]

check out herbert and donald during 1:20 - 1:24. perfectly executed voice-led parts.

[@cynthiapickett8342]

howardstern666 ..and also in contrast to their later period.

[@recquilt]

WOW...my favorite by the Mills Brothers...Never thought I'd see a video of It...Thank you soooo much

[@cputb1]

Great stuff!

[@JeniferLohan]

yes i heard

[@NoferTrunions]

Hot Ginger and Dynamite!

[@rodneyjweltham150]

OK. How the heck did the guy move his right hand that fast on the guitar! These days such a performance would be completely electronically sped up to sound like that but these guys were actually singing it at the speed in which we hear it! Truly amazing and I'd love to know what kind of microphone was inside that white pedestal on a stick!

[@millsbrothers]

GREAT!!!!

[@SuperHartline]

Whoever said that there's nothing perfect, never saw these guys!

[@cynthiapickett8342]

The original Mills Brothers at their most badass period.

[@michaelrubiano4358]

Uffff

[@cynthiapickett8342]

As an observation, over the years, l can imagine the bashing of the group not only for their singing, but the fact that in their younger days, they were very attractive as well.

[@waynehackney5812]

Correction, Four men and a guitar.

[@cynthiapickett8342]

Wayne Hackney Albeit still very young at the time.

[@BullToTheShit]

THEY even call each other "boy" throughout the song.

[@joesmoe8983]

BullToTheShit Yeah, but thats conditioning.

[@samaraisnt]

I think that's probably how they billed themselves, as it's the title of their only biography and one of their records. They probably were called that since they started their act as young children. I do think they were young at the time and then men in their 20's were still young "boys" so we'll assume he meant no harm. I was surprised that they would refer to themselves as "boy" given the use of that word....also consider how often women are called "girl" into their adulthood, and no one seems to care.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

@@samaraisnt They were billed as such at least p to the early 1940s on their 78 rpm records of the period.

[@JohnAmoss]

Boys??? GIANTS!

[@petertaylor3600]

You mean GIANT BOYS.

[@GradyPhilpott]

The Mills Brothers started out when they were quite young, with the youngest being about seven when he began to sing with the group. Here, they are still quite young. I'm not sure when they started to use the tagline "Four boys and a guitar," but surely after John, Jr.'s death at twenty-six, it no longer applied.

[@petertaylor3600]

@@GradyPhilpott The term 'boys' was a derogatory one applied in those racist days to African Americans. Not by any means the worst insult and disgraceful way they were treated, of course. I think this is used in the sense of the 1930s and later. Nobody would say that now.

[@hanckabzdziocha1238]

❤👍😊

[@robertdiotalevi2882]

“I should have slapped Mrs. Teasdale when she told it to me” Groucho Marx

[@treywest268]

This may have been originally recorded in the late 20's or early 30's before the demon weed known as Marijuana was still legal in the US. It didn't become a taxable thing until 1937. Listen closely to the lyrics and it will make even more sense. These guys were great!!

[@Coowallsky]

Couldn’t it also have been a reference to alcohol re:18th Amendment?

[@cynthiapickett7403]

Make no mistake; the original Mills Brothers pretty much created beat boxing-a early trait in a cappella hip hop.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

I guess I need to start playing my new CD 's of their early hits.

[@VictrolaJazz]

Judge Judy would say "That's hearsay"!

[@dldardawd]

Oh, I heard. Yes I heard. Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard. Oh, I heard. Yes I heard. Though it wasn't first to me, I only heard. Now he said that she said that she didn't know where she got it. But he said that she said that the law was gonna stop it. Oh, I heard. Yes I heard. Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard. Oh, I heard. "What you heard boy?" Yes I heard. "Tell me about it" Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard. "a little keyhole business?" Oh, I heard. "eardroppin'?" Yes I heard. "ahuh?" Though it wasn't first to me, I only heard. "well what'd you hear?" Now he said that she said that she didn't know where she got it. "ahuh?" But he said that she said that the law was gonna stop it. Oh, I heard. "Oh, a little scandal?" Yes I heard. "I get it" Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoken: "Well boy you ain't heard nothin', I overheard that same conversation last night. And it wasn't told to me, I only heard it." "What'd you hear boy?" "Now you don't have to to tell nobody see because I overheard this. And it wasn't first to me, I only heard it." "Tell us what you heard." "Well he said that she said that things was kinda quiet. And if it ever got out again boy, there'd be a terrible riot. Oh I heard, yes I heard, though it wasn't told to me I only heard.

[@petertaylor3600]

….Though it wasn't flashed to me, I only heard (flashed, not first)

[@galoandresarturo8098]

El coro: aguanten agua, aguanten agua.... Jajajaja

[@joeybonin7691]

What a clever tune. Is that Dick Powell looking on?

[@ELVISISKING1000]

MUSICAL MEMORIAL: VOCALIST HARRY MILLS DIED ON THIS DAY, JUNE 28, 1982, AT THE AGE OF 68. THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS OF DIABETES COMPLICATIONS. HE WAS BORN ON AUGUST 9, 1913, IN PIQUA, OHIO. HERBERT MILLS DIED ON APRIL 12, 1989, AT THE AGE OF 77. DONALD MILLS DIED ON NOVEMBER 13, 1999, AT THE AGE OF 84 DUE TO COMPLICATIONS OF PNEUMONIA. MAY THEY ALL REST IN HARMONY. FOR MORE INFO AND MEMORIALS, PLEASE JOIN MY GROUP AND VIEW MY KZbin PAGE: TONY JAMS MUSICAL MEMORIALS 1950'S AND BEYOND. FACE BOOK PAGE: TONY JAMS MUSICAL MEMORIALS. THANK YOU.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

Where is John Mills, Jr.?

[@MAndreyS]

If one them is still alive?

[@cynthiapickett8342]

For all posters whose first language is not English, the second verse is, "But it wasn't buzzed to me, I only heard, not "first".

[@petertaylor3600]

Wadden-de-nah-wah….

[@mohammadatwi6504]

This video in which year??

[@SB-se7vb]

1934

[@mollymalone3632]

Four MEN.

[@ernestkozio2298]

który to john jr mills?

[@SbrPL]

Z gitarą.

[@ernestkozio2298]

***** dzięki

[@massagetherapyforinjuriesf8197]

I believe in God now... marvelous.. the Mills brothers 4 ever!!!

[@_bigblind]

@Telcom100 I tried but failed miserably :p

[@DavyanHatch]

Fallout type shit

[@henriquedireitaconservador1826]

Versão ao assexualismo/castidade/celibato, dom roubado, Mov. Direita Assexual. O buraco é mais embaixo. A alegria Franciscana de viver. Aprendam a viver sorrir sem drogas, sexo...detalhes passam a ser orgasmos imensos...

[@FuckYouWithThisNames]

Der Anfang der üblen Nachrede.!

[@Telcom100]

I challenge anybody to watch this video without smiling.

[@petertaylor3600]

I failed miserably.

[@OM-zp7ci]

:(

[@professionalbeats.6382]

Im 26 n i lived mills bros since i was 13. First song i ever heard was lucy brown ❤️

[@janettucker3196]

Not just their spectacular sound. But their relaxed sense of fun really delivers. It's pure pleasure hearing and seeing The Mills Brothers.

[@benu6305]

Oh, I heard, yes, I heard Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard Oh, I heard, yes, I heard Though it wasn't buzzed to me, I only heard Now he said that she said That she didn't know where she got it But he said that she said That the Law was gonna stop it Oh, I heard, yes, I heard Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard Oh, I heard (Whatd'ya hear, boy?) Yes, I heard (Gonna tell me somethin') Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard (Was it keyhole business?) Oh, I heard, yes, I heard Though it wasn't buzzed to me, I only heard (Now, whatd'ya hear now?) Now he said that she said That she didn't know where she got it But he said that she said That the Law was gonna stop it Oh, I heard (I understand), yes, I heard (Yeah) Though it wasn't told to me, I only heard Now, boy, you ain't heard nothin' I overheard the same conversation last night And it wasn't told to me, I only heard (Whatd'you hear, boy?) Well, you don't have to tell nobody Simply 'cause I overheard this And it wasn't told to me, I only heard (Tell us what you heard) Now he said that she said That she didn't know where to buy it And if it ever got out again, boy There'd be a terrible riot Oh, I heard, yes, I heard And it wasn't told to me, I only heard Oh, we heard, yes, we heard Though it wasn't told to us, we only heard Oh, we heard, yes, we heard Though it wasn't buzzed to us, we only heard Now he said that she said That she didn't know where she got it But he said that she said That the Law was gonna stop it Oh, we heard, yes, we heard Though it wasn't told to us, we only heard Wat-dee-no-wah, wat-dee-no-wah Wat-dee-no-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah Now, what you heard, boy Wat-dee-no-wah, wat-dee-no-wah Wat-dee-no-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah (Scatting till end)

[@tiagobolado4250]

Thank you

[@SatchmoSings]

Recorded with ONE microphone on ONE track in ONE take. If this was made now, everyone would have laid down a separate track (including the guitar) and there would have been compression, autotune and god-knows what the fuck else.

[@drguitar001]

Life should always sound this good.

[@zapdunga12]

John Mills Jr. died January 23 1936. He was only 25. He was the eldest brother and the leader. He played on a ukulele and a 4 string tenor guitar and sang bass like a tuba.

[@ArkRed1]

Such a fine group. Will we ever see anyone with this much talent again? RIP.

[@timdoonan6067]

My collection of Mills Brothers songs numbers roughly 200 and this song is in my top five….played repeatedly. As a listener notes below, for their enunciation and the best in harmony. Credit should go also to their songwriters and lyricists.