The Mills Brothers ("Paper Doll")

The Mills Brothers sing "Paper Doll"
(Note: This video is a not-for-profit demonstration of popular vocal group history from the swing era, and is intended for educational and historical purposes only. All rights remain the sole property of the owner.)

[@kenscar]

These guys were impeccable. They don't make 'em like this any more. Pure class.

[@WytZox1]

+Ken Scar ~> A truly Great vocal group from the era of swing! ☺

[@rosiesummer2711]

They sound so gorgeous, no back tracking or autotune. Just pure music.

[@williammock7932]

Ken Scar 8

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

You sure are right nothing but class

[@MichelleCarter0512]

So true💕💗🌝

[@ddayladygirene]

They were at the Sands in Vegas when I was on my honeymoon, and at the next table when we went for a bite. Great people, Their kindness will never be forgotten. I'm 80 now and theose were the days.

[@ParkerAllen2]

I had the same exact experience with my grandfather. He loved the Mills Brothers but being young and a different generation I thought they were corny. He died about twelve years ago and, of course, now I can hear how great the Mills Brothers really were and how good my grandfather's taste was. I wish I could tell him.

[@lorimav]

Not only did my grandfather born 1910 like them but also my father born 1936 also did.

[@mikemagnum9357]

This is how real talent looks and sounds. Top class act, these guys.

[@Livyaahh]

I'm 18 years old and I just love this kind of music! I'd choose this over dubstep any day of the week

[@echomaroon9501]

Agreed! This music just speaks to you ya know?

[@cyrildelarosa4020]

Okay cool good job. 😐

[@FoodFestTelevision]

Well said... maybe there's hope for the world after all... 👍

[@patriciaotoole5930]

U have good taste

[@internationalparam]

You're 26 now, you still listen to the mills brothers?

[@ellenpearljackson5219]

my dad taught me the love these men I look at them today they are gone and my dad's gone but not in my heart he and they will always live forever they wear that beautiful this was a family and when their brother was killed their dad stepped up into his part for them to they were always a family that's what always remember how my dad would tell us about these people they were just beautiful human beings and God gave him such beautiful voices thank you Mills. Brother and your dad rest in peace and be with God as my day it is I love you Daddy and I love The Mills Brothers

[@MichelleCarter0512]

Beautifully said💞

[@cputb1]

THANKS TO EVERYONE... for taking the time to leave all the great comments in tribute to what is probably best vocal group of all time, the classy, elegant, fabulous, Mills Brothers.

[@Motherslapper]

Thank you for uploading mate 👍

[@johnjenkins2315]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@ZoeToots]

This reminded me of my Dad. *sigh* I've watched it a couple times already. It's so great. My Dad would have loved this!!!!

[@mortdk826]

When stage performers had *star quality* :-)

[@TheInvisibleCanadia]

"Here's an old song," says the guy in the 40's,

[@carramps1]

It was written in 1915

[@mja91352]

And you point is?

[@lacuevadegolum9448]

So what's your point? It's a kind of bad joke?

[@useyournogos6845]

Yeah, the joke makes no sense.

[@garrett9307]

It was old by then

[@47millionvictors]

Super...my dear old Dad, who has been gone 16 years now, loved these as a young man. Lovely to see such a laid-back and classy performance in today's mad age.

[@sheg1969]

The Mills Brothers singing group was among my dad's favorites as well. I am forever amazed at how much fun they seemed to have on stage. Whenever I hear them, I think of my dad smiling ans tapping his foot.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Sue, How are you doing?

[@24bnanrob]

My dear mother used to sing to me songs that these gentlemen sang and I still remember most all the words to their songs. These fellows knew how to really sing. Oh, how I still enjoy hearing them. Brings my mother back to me.

[@LadyDragonsblood]

Betty Robertson So did mine.... both my parents loved them.... back in the 70's when I was a teenager, I was listening to this kind of music, instead of what was "popular" then.... I am the better for it! Sometimes, parents do know best!

[@Tonetwisters]

Wow. I remember hearing these guys on the family 45RPMs when I was little, back in the early '50s. Boy, that was good. Smooth as silk. And that Gibson L-5 was just gorgeous!

[@timothymeehan181]

These guys, who recorded from 1930-70, have yet to be equalled, much less surpassed, for pure harmonic beauty & heart…🙏🎼🎭😎

[@rickhinojosa5455]

Actually, they recorded from 1925 to 1991, with their last concerts together given at least up to 1981, where they played and recorded in Copenhagen. That includes the last year's as they played in places like Copenhagen and was recorded and released. The last years were AT LEAST 1991 because they came to our local fair and played in that year. Only Donald was alive at that time but he sang with his son in their concerts. Donald died in 1999 and idk how long he continued in concerts after 1991. Harry Mills died in 1982. Herbert died in 1989. Of course, John Mills Jr., the eldest brother, died in 1936 and was replaced by their father. They certainly were unsurpassed, as you said. 🙏

[@User0155]

This is music

[@williamharper8097]

It is a shame to do not honor as a nation such great singers like the "Mills Brothers."

[@gasstationinnovi]

Good music never goes out of style! I can't get enough of this song!

[@tamhuynhhong3376]

Lyrics: I'm gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own A doll that other fellows cannot steal And then the flirty, flirty guys with their flirty, flirty eyes Will have to flirt with dollies that are real When I come home at night she will be waiting She'll be the truest doll in all this world I'd rather have a paper doll to call my own Than have a fickle-minded real live girl I guess I had a million dolls or more I guess I've played the doll game o'er and o'er I just quarreled with Sue, that's why I'm blue She's gone away and left me just like all dolls do I'll tell you boys, it's tough to be alone And it's tough to love a doll that's not your own I'm through with all of them, I'll never fall again Say boy, whatcha gonna do? I'm gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own A doll that other fellows cannot steal And then the flirty, flirty guys with their flirty, flirty eyes Will have to flirt with dollies that are real When I come home at night she will be waiting She'll be the truest doll in all this world I'd rather have a paper doll to call my own Than have a fickle-minded real live girl

[@georgemartin4963]

Voices like honey. Smooth and sweet.

[@phillipmarlow9557]

What's smith and sweet?

[@georgemartin4963]

Phillip Marlow It was supposed to be smooth and sweet. I guess I should go back and correct it.

[@phillipmarlow9557]

George Martin OK, whatever.

[@iusedyourmomsname]

this is my favorite youtube thread ever.

[@Coowallsky]

Dick

[@allanmiller6126]

My fathers favorite song in the 1940's

[@Odonnol]

God, I love these guys! Once someone asked them what was the secret to their longevity in the music biz. Answer: We get plenty of sleep. So modest! And so full of truth. Many thanks!

[@akb168]

Great to see 3 swingin' musicians singing great and having a great time :-)

[@fhazer1000]

just needed to listen to this to help me with my essay for A View From the Bridge

[@LY71142]

The iconic Mills Brothers tune. Before the Village in NYC was totally gentrified (1980 or so) I remember walking into a bar on Spring St around 2 am. It wasn't hip: more like the cleaning ladies at the end of their shift and the serious drunks. Someone (was it me?) served this up on the jukebox and it was amazing - everyone had their part. I was good for "I guess I had a million dolls or more." Best impromptu singalong I was ever part of. They live on in the music.

[@denisageev3437]

I was born in 2000, but really feel out of place and hate knowing that I was born in the wrong era. I have been to listening to a lot of Mills Brothers and a bunch of different singers and bands...I just wish they still made those kind of music:((

[@RatPackish]

I sing this version to my 1 yr old niece and she loves it! Almost 100 years old and still can tickle the fancy of music lovers to be. Timeless!

[@herefordmsv]

I've lost count of how many times I've come back to watch this video. A big thumbs up to the uploader and an even bigger thumbs up to The Mills Brothers. I should add that it was Dennis Potter who got me here. Brilliant thank you.

[@buddysims1366]

Discovered those guys in my teens, won several talent contests singing their songs loved them . I'm 88 now , Wonderful harmony , Worked as a solo too . :) GREAT MEMORIES

[@stephenj.hartzell8793]

I grew up a rocker. But my dad was a big fan of these guys, so I heard them often as well. These days I just love revisiting this great music and their stellar harmonies. They pioneered a number of things that were used in the rock era, including do-wop & what is now known as beat-box. They deserve far more credit than they have to date received!

[@TheCircusgal1950]

Unmatched talent! Such a smooth sound and great harmony. There are no singers like this now. Too Too Bad! This is REAL MUSIC!

[@Taylo10]

One of the things that makes me sad in this world, when I look down to press the like button and I see that some people dislike this music. It makes me really sad when I realize that I am one of the few teenagers left who loves this music. This music is amazing. Always brightens my day.

[@PhilsPhan338]

These guys had a sound that will never be duplicated. True legends!!!

[@julieteegarden5891]

My dad used to sing this song to me many years ago. A very special memory.

[@millsbrothers]

I have more then one version of this song by them, i heard it more than a thousand times and it always seems to get better and better. They are truly the best!

[@fabiandoulton]

True entertainers like them will last forever. Amen.

[@007ndc]

I'm 58 years old and was blessed to be exposed to the music my Depression and WW2 era music of my parents. Give me the Mills Brothers, the Inkspots and the Nat King Cole Trio any day of the week and twice on Sunday. May they all RIP

[@veronicaodden]

There's a man I take care of at a nursing home here in Wisconsin, who has an old-fashioned radio/record player, and plays a Mills Brothers album with this song on it, quite often. I had to look it up, because it's really grown on me. As much as I try to give back what I can to the elderly, I really learn a lot more from them.

[@golferworld]

What a classic gem from the old Lawrence Welk Show! This piece aired on Feb 22, 1964 and it shows that The Mills Brothers still had it after more than 40 years in the business. I especially love Harry's physical action, expression and timing when he picks up the tempo after the one minute lead-in from his brother Donald. Brother Herbert on harmony and Norman Brown on guitar are very impressive as always. I love it! Thanks for posting cputb1!

[@cynthiapickett7403]

At the same time, the Beatles were making a big splash in the USA (at one point dominating the Top 5 of the Top 10 chart).

[@JamieFreedman]

I am such a huge fan of these guys. I just found an LP on the sidewalk last weekend with this track on it. They just don't make music like this anymore do they? It's just PERFECT.

[@DaveRay71]

My grandfather used to sing me to sleep with this one. No wonder I'm an insomniac! He used to catch them on "The Hit Parade" during the war when he was in the U. S. Navy. Fitting this is from the Lawrence Welk Show. Used to watch it with them. Best vocal group in the history of recorded music.

[@altareggo]

These guys were some of my ALL TIME favorite singers when i was growing up.. they had SOOOO many great tunes and their smooth, professional yet always very musical offerings were a BIG part of the sound-track of my youth. I miss them but they will always be with me.

[@Croonr1]

Nothing beats that!

[@maryutz3790]

Playing this for residents of assisted living in NC. They love it!

[@SammieSunshineC]

This was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the year my Grandmother was born. I had to look it up!

[@googuse]

Love how the guitar player fills in the harmonies. Tasty!

[@PedarArdRhi]

The Mills Brothers = Pure Talent. I can't help but wonder.... How many other people, when they're reminded of Ed Sullivan, automatically go to Lawrence Welk or Sing Along with Mitch ("Follow the Bouncing Ball") or Topper or Hazel?

[@24bnanrob]

They really are timeless. Velvet voices and with no effort or so it seems. Todays young singers who scream instead of singing could learn a lot from them!

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Betty, How are you doing?

[@007ndc]

Dean Martin loved these guys and openly admitted that he patterned his stage presence and style from his boyhood idols the Mills Brothers

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

​@@007ndc I can hear and see the influence.

[@powerWithinUs4055]

Look at them over the years.....get smoother and classier over the years....but it was always there. Juke box favorite, at least four or five tunes stayed on the juke, never replaced. Such stage presence....Dean Martin was influenced by them. Totally comfortable in their skin and tuxedos.....sublime personality's, playing as one...delicious. Every variety show had them as standard guests. Define a culture.......imagine hearing Till Then in 1944, hearing it before going back from leave...possibly for the last time. Timeless. Mills Brothers are Treasured Americans. Live in eternal light...... and perfect stage classy.

[@lauramayer105]

So, as a little girl I grew up listening to the Mill's Brothers. My dad taught me how to waltz, dance to this genre of music. It never goes out of style. My son listens to them too. By the way, I won't say how old I am but, my son is 33 Good music is good music

[@nephilimiyr]

Real nice, my father loved these guys. oh the memories this music brings!

[@marcoscallau7332]

One of the best songs I've ever heard and one of the best groups too. Mills brothers and his doll are aternal.

[@georgemcmahan5299]

When I was a kid back in the 50s my uncle was a body guard for celebs I was very lucky to meet yhe Mills brothers. They were very very nice to me. Just great guys. Took time to be nice to a kid and not just me but everyone. Unlike many of the entertainers. They were great guys.

[@goody2shoes734]

My ec bro in law used to sing the best version of this I have ever heard!

[@ecd06kuankevinabiog90]

20 years old, from Philippines. And I am astonished by songs back then, such wonderful masterpiece. Im lovin it

[@ethanbooher6399]

I remember coming home from middle school in like the 2008s and getting on KZbin to listen to this, Thank you for the memories.

[@donnalayton6876]

Love all their songs, but this is my favorite. What great talents they were.

[@beefire05]

I love how they play with the song...just makes smile :)

[@BUDDYZEC]

It doesn't get any better, perfection

[@markgray8707]

i love the comments on these videos. all the older folk, bless your soul and know your generations will not be forgotten. music is like a time machine for us youth.

[@user-pi1ww1bg3b]

It's 2021, who else watching this music here?

[@clockguy2]

I've never heard of these guys before...They're great!

[@Gunner-rear]

Cant beat the oldies.

[@oscarschwartz1357]

The Mills Brothers were part of one of the best times of Jazz in the world. They had rythm, excellent voices, good looks and a fantastic repertoir. God Bless them.

[@TheSurvivor4]

My mother said exactly the same, her dad always listened to them and she told me about it and such. They reminds her of her dad, who passed away some years ago :)

[@bertskoi]

This was on "The Lawrence Welk Show" in 1964. Kudos to Lawrence for having great musical guests on from time to time. PBS keeps the music alive showing many like this and other episodes of the LWS and other fine examples of our collective musical heritage. Thanks!

[@gpearson6554]

I love them in there later years there voices just got better

[@nonnaninella]

I can't say enough about these guys. Love them.....And their songs.. What memories.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Nina, How are you doing?

[@sally1715]

They are truly unforgettable and irreplaceable! The likes of these guys will not pass this way again!

[@77bovi]

Here after watching ken burns "the war" ep 3. Where Quentin Aanenson of Luverne, Minnesota recounts how he woo'd his future wife Jackie Greer the very first time he met her. Quentin "There was a song called Paper Doll that was so famous at that time and as I took her to dance with her, I said, Hello paper doll." Aanenson was a P-47 squadron leader who took part in D Day at Normandy.

[@jadezee6316]

i have never seen the Mills Brothers make even the smallest mistake in any video on youtube....they were perfection.....

[@nytrini2005]

this is fantastic!!! thanks for posting it up my friend

[@Jammonstrald]

1:54, "Say booooooy" YES!!! That showcases everything that the old groups and songs had that you just don't hear anymore, in two words and three glorious harmonies. My good friend and long-time music instructor mentioned the Mills Brothers' version of "Paper Doll" so I was hoping to find it. This was even more than I could have hoped for, thanks for posting it!

[@Finn_Lawless]

I'm 34 But my father is 88. He fought in WW2 & all the rest. These days he can't really communicate. It gets super sad but with the help of stuff like youtube I'm more able to sing this song & others to him & he lights the hell up. Will be last memories & way cooler than my daughter looking at him like a decaying lump of flesh that creates faeces, and more like the personality that he has always been. finnlawless 1 hour ago

[@ufewl]

wow, never heard this before, but it's one of he biggest selling vinyls of all time!! about 24th in the list, can't say i was blown away by it but just listening to original/other version, it's nice enough. I guess that's all a song needs to be.

[@herefordmsv]

Despite 12 years elapsing since I first came to watch this video, it remains one of my favourite videos on YT. Ace👍

[@patwhite7970]

I'm so glad my parents introduced my siblings and me to all kinds of music. The Mills Brothers were excellent 👌

[@supremes1964]

I had to endure watching "The Lawrence Welk Show" every Saturday night......with my parents or "do your homework better" in 1960's This performance of the Mills Brothers was before I was even born.......in 1964. They so great and harmonies too. THANKS CPUTB1 and KZbin! new fan here!

[@lonniebeavers7794]

Back when songs had class and that's why they stand the test of time !! August 15th in 2020 !!

[@jameshuston9589]

Just to weigh in... I grew up listening... my first album was the Mills Bros. Sing me some blues.

[@brianskirk]

Excellent! Great to hear and SEE this again! My mom introduced me to the Mills brothers when I was in highschool in the 1980's and I've been a fan ever since.

[@cputb1]

What a co-inky-dink you should comment on this today. I was over visiting dad today and took him out for drive around, and we listened to a Mills Brothers CD. He saw them live in Copenhagen 50+ years ago and they've been his favorite ever since.

[@davedrolett6890]

That song was popular in the late 1940'S. Still recall that tune playing on the radio when I was 5

[@harley75604]

I saw the Mills Brothers in the Late 70s at the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. They were great! I love them and have all of their recordings.

[@ladybug5977]

Love this music, It's the real stuff. music today doesn't even compare!

[@solomonoverhead]

Never-ending classic by an epitome of enduring sound and class.

[@antoniosantorini9355]

You could tell these brothers got along really well as performers

[@j0rss]

those old songs make me wanna live in those 30-s 40-s 50-s.

[@scotthildebrand2293]

Always makes me remember my dad. He loved these guys- and I do too!

[@rivlax]

I think I actually saw that on The Lawrence Welk show in the '50s (I'm 59). Always loved these guys. In fact, just a week ago I bought "The Best of the Mills Brothers" off iTunes, which is why I was searching for videos. Just great. Now I have to try to match up these guys with the 1932 guys.

[@warrenchild394]

First heard this song from the excellent Ken Burns documentary "The War" - Love these old classics, and how the USA was united during this time period of WW2.....Thanks!

[@wd336]

OMG. Look at that beautiful Gibson guitar that guy's got.... They don't make music like this anymore. So classy, warm, and rich with personality.

[@KRUGE67]

i haven`t heard this since gran pass away,thank you so much for the memories!

[@BitchOnWheelz]

I love the joy on their faces and in their voices...they really loved singing and making others happy...what a gift!💖💖💖

[@Jackyoudiditagain]

I'm totally hooked at this song, since i listen the record Singing Detective!

[@alfiesgirluk]

@47millionvictors Same here, my pops died in the mid 70's at only 48 and he loved the Mills and so do I. I have to say that I do shed a tear when I hear them but I still enjoy listening neverheless:-)

[@yukonnahanni]

Thank -you guyus , just read r comments ,,, wasnt sure that anyone would remeber , this fantastic group !!! I am a Canadian , , my Grandfather , knew this group & they cam etol play the Cave Night Club in Vancouver B.C .. hE TOOK EVERYONE THERE , TOLD ME , SORRY i WASNT V BORN , THEN , BUT THEY CAME BACK WHEN i WAS ABOUT 2 YRS OLD TO PLAY , INSISTED THAT i SAT ON ONE OF THEIR LAPS , WHILE THEY SANG , PAPER DOLLY , DONT REMEMBER BUT HAVE PHOTO''S ... GOD BLESS THEM ALL !!!

[@aarongranda7825]

Grew up with this stuff. Woc 1420 pure gold music Davenport Iowa.

[@dmw321]

good music is just that, good music. any tru music/art lover will gravitate to good stuff. The mills bros. rock.

[@dannyboy25x]

my dad used to sing this as a good night song when we were kids..one of my only early memories of my pop..still remember all the words verbatim