The Mills Brothers sing "Basin Street Blues" & "Up a Lazy River" with the Boston Pops (1980)

From my collection of off-the-air VHS recordings - Two songs by the Brothers from a televised appearance with the Boston Pops. KZbinr Ken D. checked the Boston Symphony and Pops online archive and informs us that this performance occurred on May 25, 1980. The note in my log indicates that I recorded it from a re-run on August 9, 1981.
The first song performed had been posted before on KZbin. However, I think you'll find this one has somewhat better sound (but not stereo, unfortunately).

[@pauljohnson7450]

Absolutely one of the greatest singing groups of all time. Listening to them always brings a smile to my face and lets me forget my troubles for awhile. God Bless them....

[@nielsseniusclausen4432]

Shel silverstein

[@thearblessitt142]

I concur! At 60, there's no way I can ever stop listening to the music that my parents, aunts, & uncles listened to almost daily! So perfect are their harmonies, I thank my dad, a native of N'awlins, & my uncle's for being my Lindy Hop partners! May our good Lord Bless the Mills Bros and their descendants always!

[@dogman4100]

Paul- I couldn't agree more. : )

[@patriciaotoole5930]

Me too. I listened to them on a record I'm 81

[@elescaramujo]

that´s exactly my case!

[@kranckc.1983]

"Oh no... We forgot the trumpets!" "Fellas... Don't worry. We've got this."

[@dansheridan4002]

That's hilarious! My jaw dropped when I saw that! Great stuff!

[@caydenkasongo3534]

And the trombones

[@fratisekkotvrda6441]

Trombonove sólo, fantazie

[@michaelbarlow6610]

Amazing how one of the Mills Brothers could make his voice sound like a trombone and one of the other two can make his voice sound like a coronet! Incredible!

[@pamtebelman2321]

Incredible! Can someone teach me how to do that?

[@edwardmusicman896]

Even the great John Williams smile on these legendary gentlemen. There will never be another Mills Brothers…thanks to KZbin we can still hear them…

[@pamtebelman2321]

I noticed that, too. He knew how great they were. I think the Brothers got a kick out of having a full orchestra behind them, too. John has some beautiful arrangements behind these songs, too, especially the strings on Up A Lazy River. I consider myself fortunate also to be able to hear these performances now.

[@dansheridan4002]

Warning! If you listen to this, your life will get better. I can't believe we live in a world where 13 people gave this a thumbs down.

[@flemit35]

most will be by accident.

[@robertcapo9241]

The best, one of my Dad's favorites, and mine too!

[@danielweir67]

they honestly don't know spectacular talent when it hits them.

[@williamfeilhauer2667]

We live in a sick world. I was raised on their music.

[@Mollypopithelen]

That will be the empty headed sovcit votes.

[@TrullaCæmentarìí]

2024 STILL listening!! I'm 54 and the Mills Brothers are the greatest!! This music takes me back to a place and a time that I've never been...💜

[@howardthrongard640]

75 year old listening here in the Philippines. Great music.

[@user-sc5ly3oj1n]

This is great!

[@karinwetzel1773]

‘shamed to admit I just discovered them today, June 2024. Have a lot of catching up to do - these fellows are sensational!

[@buddysims1366]

SO MUCH TALENT> HAVE LOVED THEIR MUSIC SINCE TEEN YEARS. I'M 88 AND STILL DO . :)

[@buddysims1366]

I am 88 also :) GREAT MINDS AND EARS :) THEY WERE THE BEST !!!!!!!!!

[@howardthrongard640]

Only 75! Enjoying their beautiful music. A while back I was watching a you-tube segment with them on the Dean Martin Show. So entertaining.

[@okiepita50t-town28]

Those guys were so fantastic. Man I could listen to them all day long.

[@nickeyparadise1]

That vocal trombone solo was chilling!

[@caydenkasongo3534]

I love the trombone and trumpet impressions their older brother John imitated the tuba till he died in 1936

[@jamesconner3437]

Not just a trombone or trumpet, but muted !. This was the age of, and the very definition of, the "cool" era for us who were born around mid-1940s. Swing bands , harmony groups...man, looking back, I didn't fully appreciate the wealth I had.

[@victorarraras2530]

Fantásticos

[@pamtebelman2321]

Can someone teach me how to do that?

[@krezwan6450]

When you listen to old music you feel calm. New music makes you even more stressed

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

I was saying the very same thing to my wife yesterday as we were driving home. It's NOISE...! ! NOT MUSIC. Way too much bass, and lyrics you can't understand, and if you do, you don't want your kids to know about them. I grew up with this old music, and it always brings me a feeling of relaxation. These guys sang quality music. They were simple songs, but were enhanced with great vocals and harmonies. Your ears are drawn to what they were doing. It's that good.

[@user-lu4et9jc2m]

So correct. Excellent observation.

[@ginlong5723]

How awesome are they! They make today’s “performers “ look and sound like child’s play. These guys have it!

[@tonjaraye]

I discovered the Mills Brothers when I was around 10 years old (I'm now 60) from seeing them on PBS and I was recently in New Orleans: these songs were going through my head the entire time I was there. I just loved this! I can listen to them anytime and anywhere.

[@julienelson8162]

Oh my. This is magical, professional, creative, and perfect. How I miss them…

[@duggydugg3937]

dint know what we had

[@dianasills-bailin3731]

The Mills Brothers singing and doing instrumentals (without instruments) is just the greatest ever. When they do Basin Street Blues my soul sings with them. I’ve never heard a better trio ever in my entire life. God bless them and the musical gifts they left us.

[@anitaarnell3274]

Incredable harmonium and perfect pitch wow

[@clairemorrisdobie9977]

They are amazing. Instrumental voices. Even the conductor is smiling.

[@chorchteacher1079]

You're absolutely right. That's John Williams with the Boston pops (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc) He knew the musical legends the Mills brothers are

[@glennkoons1560]

JOHN WILLIAMS ,THE CONDUCTOR.

[@dontaylor7315]

Phenomenal. And if I hadn't seen it on video I'd never have known that wasn't a trumpet solo.

[@garykinsey9515]

Absolutely! To me, it sounds exactly like a muted trumpet ..., amazing!!!

[@markscates8185]

Listened to this recording countless times over the years. Continues to be one of the finest Mills Brothers live recordings I have seen. Herbert, Harry, and Donald sounding as good as ever. What character, vocal chops, and entertainment value these cats had. Heard them as a child in the 60s and my ears heard what they were singing. To this day my ears hear what they were singing.

[@pianopappy]

Thanks for sharing, Mark.

[@donnalayton6876]

Still have my recording.

[@pamtebelman2321]

That's a sweet comment!

[@Sophmag325]

This is way before my time but my father, a WWII veteran absolutely loved these guys. They’re beyond talented. They’re genius. I can’t believe people actually voted a thumbs down. ❤️👍🏻👍🏻

[@iamfelixthecat7233]

They were an absolute marvel.

[@edynlopez1702]

What an absolute delight. The Mills Brothers were and are the epitome of talent and class. Lucky audience there that night! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@annedeline4421]

They were the very best! So sorry we have lost their exceptional harmony!!! And genius!

[@pamtebelman2321]

Our loss is Heaven's gain.

[@rosse998]

Perché sono morti non li conosco ma sono fantastici

[@rudolphdean8556]

Pure class and artistic ability!

[@YerPope]

The Mills Brothers are as good in this as they ever were. Truly a great ensemble of singing talent.

[@danielweir67]

no words can properly say how awesome these guys were. such talent. ❤❤

[@pamtebelman2321]

Agreed, they leave me speechless!

[@belmarmom]

The good old days when performers actually had talent.

[@user-lu4et9jc2m]

So correct. And they were incredibly humble with it.

[@bvwatcher2]

It don't get any better than this.

[@ceediddy925]

Yeah...what you said

[@no1975]

Oh I wish we had this music back this was a time period that surely will be missed. At least I have it to listen to brings back wonderful memories.

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

IMO, I think a lot of music today is poisoned with fake instruments, fake voice overdubbing, even fake audience applause. These guys started out live with nothing but their voices, and showmanship. Do or die. They did............very well. I'm afraid we will never see the return of talents like these guys. They performed from the 1920's to the 1980's. Just that alone is amazing. I'm a big Dean Martin fan. He learned from the Mills Brothers. All one needs to do is watch the style. Great video.............. THANKS.

[@tomreedyjr3631]

When Anerica had REAL TALENT. These men are definitely missed. R.I.P., Gentlemen..

[@kend.6797]

These guys were great! This concert was recorded on May 25, 1980 for those who are keeping track.

[@pianopappy]

Thanks, Ken, for the date. I'm going to add it to my description above. I didn't purchase my first VCR until October of 1980. My notes in my log show that I recorded it from a re-run on August 9, 1981.

[@kend.6797]

@@pianopappy I was curious so I looked up the date on the Boston Symphony and Pops online archive today. I wish someone had the entire program. I enjoyed listening to the selections you did record.

[@jdm6613]

I'm surprised they were still kicking in the 80's. Found a clip of them doing a song called caravan, believe it was from the 30's.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

Shortly after this bravura performance by the Mills Brothers with John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra, was the classic Borg-McEnroe Wimbledon final the next month!

[@MalcolmMcRobert-sn2ik]

I come from cold wet and windy Scotland, but whenever I need to warm myself up little, I just play this clip, and it brings back nostalgia unmeasurable. And, a wee 12 year old single malt also helps the moment.😊

[@eliansolis8740]

Someone in 2022 listening this master pieces?

[@lisbetsoda4874]

2024. And loving these three charmers.

[@jadezee6316]

singing over 50 years!...by this time the Mills Brothers were without question...without argument...without pause.....the FINEST singing group in music history.............

[@garytomes3015]

And they still are!

[@pamtebelman2321]

Wow, that's a long time! They not only were exceptional musicians, but their music made people visibly happier, and that's a special gift.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

Forgive my pickiness, but the Mills Brothers were a trio not a group.

[@suebouchard8198]

Oh my goodness my dad would listen to them with a BIG smile on his face. I can see him!! Thank you for this makes me sad but also very happy. Love you dad!!💕💕

[@pianopappy]

Thanks for sharing those lovely memories with us, Sue. They still make me smile, too.

[@riobabic8960]

The days of no social distancing !

[@majbrittcastrupjrgensen2874]

Brings me memories about my dad and I listening to their music....an old record...normally I am a heavy metal fan, but I just love Mills Brothers!

[@lindaforsythe2978]

One of the best performances of Mills brothers! Wow!

[@larrydewitt]

My late wife loved these guys, especially early on when Dad sang bass. Just beautiful!!!

[@dskyyksd]

I wish PBS would offer this whole concert on DVD.

[@reednokleby1420]

I've been trying to get that concert for years. I was in high school and this just swept me off my feet.

[@stevevr1965]

I've seen about 4 videos here from this concert. You just have to look for them

[@MichaelJ44]

@@stevevr1965 what does that have to do with it being on DVD?

[@slashdemonfire5024]

for sure

[@davidwalter2002]

One of my dad's favorite vocal groups. No secret why; they were smooth as silk and blended perfectly.

[@pianopappy]

Thanks for your comment, David. To which I would add, "They could swing, too."

[@davidwalter2002]

@@pianopappy Could they ever!

[@clairemorrisdobie9977]

Same here.

[@susancampbell5493]

My parents started taking us to see the Mills Bros. when we were 12 & 14 years old...grew up loving them...we were incredibly blessed as they were irreplaceable ❣ 🎶💕🎶💕🎶

[@Jameslopez5682]

Hello Susan how are you doing hope you’re having a great time with your family may God bless you and your family

[@frankscarborough1428]

Still the greatest, they just got better with age

[@buddysims1366]

SO AMAZING. First heard them in the 50s still believe them to be the greatest ever.

[@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper]

Fantastic talented gentlemen and Boston Pops with John Williams wow.

[@mikegross6107]

The Boston Pops and the Mills Bros.! TV didn't get any better!

[@jimroveto1543]

Such talent, what a career. To keep it going even after losing their bass singing brother John on the 4 string guitar, there dad steps in and they continued on. We are very fortunate that there's the footage to enjoy, works wonders for me after a hard day's work, so therapeutic. R.I.P. guys.

[@meruliouslacrimens5154]

You cannot get better than this!!

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Such a great pleasure to hear these three singing again. I always love the harmony that they produce.

[@dsthorp]

The Mills Brothers are such thorough and complete artists, in any style. Wow!

[@jayjay2637]

Chills and tears. It's so damn good, and you can see how much fun there having and how they truly enjoy each other, there talent, harmony and melody is just unreal, how they can manipulate the sound of instruments with just their mouths and as you hear the sound of the instrument you know exactly each word there saying it's just amazing

[@1MSmith008]

Chills and tears...I'm with you

[@rdewar4324]

The tonal control..it is godlike..lol a LONG career..their early stuff is transcendent..they were incredible talents and improvisors!

[@daviddoran3164]

What talent, no one can do this.. Mills brothers I would listen all day.🐻

[@homeagain1028]

Trombone vocal!!!! Wow I can’t believe how amazing the Mills Brothers were.....timeless and wonderful ❤️🎵🎶😇

[@kerryfox1420]

This always makes me smile.

[@michaellazzeri2069]

These men were / are, a national treasure. Why, it took so long for ALL of America to recognize their brilliance, is just a sad statement about race in our nation. Harry Mills had one of THE smoothest voices of all time , & he & his brothers were just awesome. AWESOME !! --------------MJL, 76 y/o

[@robfmas]

Wonderful- brings tears to my eyes

[@MrSlatsp1]

Time for another comment about their unbelievable talent. Right here doing a fantastic job on blues, then back to pop. They could sing rock n roll too. They tackled many different styles with ease and perfection. Tell me how many others had that talent.

[@saltydog4787]

Made my day ,,,, many thanks from Australia!

[@johnrapko3450]

can remember watching this in 1980.....its still great!!

[@slashdemonfire5024]

BRILLIANT! WOW! THIS KIND OF MUSIC IS FROM A BYGONE ERA JUST LOVE IT!!!!❤❤❤

[@slashdemonfire5024]

True that

[@t.p.mckenna]

They were the ultimate folk ensemble. That statement, perhaps, goes against the genre of music they traded in, but I mean in the sense of how they appealed to everyone. No matter the race, the creed, whether young or old, theirs was a universal style. It was infectious also. The emitted so much joy in their appearances and through their music making and I'm sure it was nights like this that kept Harry alive. Pianopappy, thanks so much for sharing and helping keep their music alive.

[@keiloibutterfly]

I love this!!! Very talented Brothers 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾

[@ritaplantamura6027]

Great performance!

[@1mespud]

Thank you, Mills Brothers for doing your part to help tame mankind with your genius, gift and talent. I did not deserve to hear this but was blessed anyway.

[@hamesh3474]

Totally the greatest.. never be another group like this

[@rosc2022]

What a welcome reminder of a simpler time. Beautiful music...focusing on being happy...

[@gerrymcguire7521]

Wow was that good! Just pure talent

[@1MSmith008]

Truly Beautiful

[@merryhunt9153]

What a wonderful performance. Thank you for sharing.

[@powerWithinUs4055]

So many things to adore about them, but the freshness of of their presentation, is tops. Tony Bennett sings Left My Heart in SF, like it was his first time singing it. Everyone, all over the world ....and beyond....love the Mills Brothers.

[@michaellazzeri2069]

Ladies & GEnts, this is what's known as Class-------that most forgotten quality in our nation today. 1000% Class.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

One of the earliest songs I remember singing was Paper Doll !! My Dad liked that song as was WW2 generation.

[@loupremo]

If you watch any Mills Brothers video on youtube you will notice they always line up in the same order. Love them.

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

And if you watch any of their last shows, this line up was crucial for Harry was almost completely blind by this point. And many never even knew. True showmen. True talent. Boy did we lose a great talent when these guys passed away. My only regret was not knowing about these guys when I was a kid. Got turned on to these guys through............................ Dean Martin. { the other Mills Brother..! Man did Dino love these guys }

[@loupremo]

@@josephgiustiniani2834 wow you can't even tell he was going blind, he looked so natural and happy.

[@Herm8462]

Pure talent and class. Todays “musicians” should learn something from these gentlemen.

[@williamfeilhauer2667]

The mills played Beverly hills show place in Cincinnati a lot I was a professional drummer in the union and got to work with the mills alot. They were God given sweethearts, Henry Miller their manager was just as nice. I was 18 that first time I played with them. They were the epitome of professionalism.

[@eugeniamunari2368]

They are just fantastic 👏👏👏

[@atagadol]

Pleasant and beautiful

[@user-rv6xv7xy5u]

It is a very classy group. Iconic.❤

[@broznkyra4853]

NO ONE has the talent today that these guys had..

[@jennyandkeith39]

The glances that they give each other, clearly brothers that truly love and respect one another. 🥰🥰

[@reednokleby1420]

If I remember right, one or two of the brothers had already passed away and this was one of their sons with them. Yes, they really capture your heart.

[@dskyyksd]

@@reednokleby1420 This was all three of the surviving brothers. Harry (right) died in 1982, Herbert (left) died in 1989, and Donald (center) passed in 1999.

[@reednokleby1420]

@@dskyyksd Yes, your correct. Don't worry, I'll voluntarily check myself in.

[@johnwilhelm9854]

I’ve read that Harry got diabetes and went blind. It also looks like he lost a lot of weight but he could still swing with the best of them

[@joecarini5699]

UpUp8000099000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000pp LLP

[@suzannevance2838]

My Gramps, a WW2 vet just loved the Mills Brothers ….smooth as BUTTER!!!!!!!

[@Jameslopez5682]

Hello Suzanne how are you doing hope you’re having a great time with your family may God bless you and your family

[@rrockhard1]

Wow harry sound great.....

[@leonardoribas3387]

Three blessed souls!

[@user-se7qb7vm3x]

Were called God

[@marycunningham2610]

Harmony is harmony and Mills Brothers are HARMONY thank you for the memories in CHGO

[@pianopappy]

You're welcome, Mary. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for your comment.

[@virginiakadera1689]

I had the privilege of seeing them live, amazing harmonies, wonderful memories

[@luishumbertovega3900]

You can see John Williams having such fun with guests like these talented guys, remember them from the Dean Martin Variety Show, charisma and class all over !!! 😊

[@stevenj9970]

ONE OF THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@frankiebowie6174]

Three men, one microphone. Magic!

[@rudolphdean8556]

Pure class and true musical ability! And as a jazz musician myself, I gotta say that was one fantastic sound system!

[@josephpalermo4538]

Loved Herbert on solos ...sweetest voice ever....

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Spectacular.!!!!! Sweet and smooth. Such talent!!!!

[@TheNo1BandDad]

Sometimes, I forget how much I love these guys. Then, I find something like this or their performance on, "Caravan."

[@donk4926]

I have such great memories of Dad playing their LP's when I was a kid in 1960 to 1970's Always loved their beautiful harmonious voices and slow swinging style. I am so grateful for this being shared on the Tube. Love them From South Africa

[@duggydugg3937]

so many greats have passed 😕

[@rrockhard1]

Yes they was good even better with age ! Harry Mills great showman ship with a velvet voice wow truly amazing

[@cynthiamadrid1430]

My Father loved the Mills Bros. I can still hear them singing on the car radio.

[@jamesfindlay7186]

THREE TALENTED GENTLEMEN THE MILLS BROTHERS WHAT A CLASS ACT

[@bobhull499]

HARRY….HERBERT….DONALD…. THESE ULTRA TALENTED MEN DID THIS AGAINST ALL ODDS. THERE LIKES WILL NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN🥰 BRAVO🎶🎶

[@interrupted9671]

My late Italian Dad must be thinking of me on the other side, because these songs keep playing in my head!

[@craiglewis7192]

They were beat boxing before we ever knew what it was!

[@tonycox7802]

I grew up listening to the Mills Brothers. I have a beautiful 33 Album set with them.