British guitarist analyses a historic quartet you HAVE TO know!

On the agenda tonight we're going way back to take a look at The Mills Brothers back in 1964!
Original video - • The Mills Brothers ("P...
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[@wingsofpegasus]

TIME STAMPS - 0:46 Performance 3:49 Analysis Start 7:46 Rough Guitar Guide 12:46 Barbershop Quartet Sound 14:10 Range 16:04 Slides and Swing 18:36 Body Language 20:35 History

[@mydailybread7]

❤️❤️❤️ ❤️🌟

[@jdmagicmusic]

hi Fil giving you thumbs up (of course) #339 -by this time of the vid in 1964, the Mills Brothers had been performing for 36 years, the wonderful Tiger Rag being released in 1928; Paper Doll was actually the B side, the A side 'I'll Be Around' became a hit, then DJ's flipped it over and Paper Doll became an even bigger hit!!!

[@ggggonzalez]

This is by hands down one of the Best Mills Brothers videos I have seen. GREAT. JOB I have a few of their songs on my channel it is from my favorite album. The Hawaiian Hits WOW WOW WOW. Great Video !!!! I am a HUGE MILLS BROTHERS Fan. but you saw the WRONG video. please watch this one YOU WILL NOT BE LET DOWN. It Will BLOW YOUR MIND !!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpa8hIKvmb6ZfZY

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Love that you continue to do the time stamps. It helps us navigate your brilliant analyses and highlights how great you are😘

[@christophercanzoneri2962]

Donald and Harry were the soloists. They also split the lead parts while Herb was very content to sing the tenor part. Quite a modest man, but such a key part of the timbre.

[@robertmeyerson1618]

Thanks so much for highlighting the Mills Brothers.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

These guys are great. This was back when singers had to actually sing. Thanks Fil

[@tonycasey3183]

My mother died in September aged 94. This song was one of her favourites. She loved The Mill Brothers and The Inkspots. Thanks for reviewing this video, Fil - it's a great memory for me.

[@d.b.4201]

Oh I LOVE the Inkspots!!! My beloved Grandfather loved them & shared them with me. Im so very glad that I did not blow him off back in the day. (like so many young people today). Instead I idolized my Grandfather & learned much from him. The “Inkspots”, “Mills Brothers”, “Jim Reeves” & even “Eddie Arnold” & believe it or not, “Mario Lonza!” Just to name a few. Elder’s are a gift from God that we can learn so much from. If we but take time to actually listen. They have been on the path before us & we cld benefit from their experience. IF we humble ourselves & show something another Great Vocalist sang about, called “Respect!” 😉👍 That’s the key!

[@lauriebarnes2999]

Fil, great analysis. I'm not sure if you're aware that our very young Bee Gees were heavily influenced by the Mills Brothers. Their dad played Mills Brothers records for his boys all the time and they actually got to meet their idols around the same time this performance took place. Needless to say they were quite enamored with these wonderful men who definitely had such a positive influence on them early on. Thanks for taking time to show everyone this amazing group of men. They need to be remembered for their wonderful contributions to music.

[@stevegold7307]

Dean Martin was also heavily influenced by these guys esp. Harry, who he patterned himself after....they were very influential back in the their day...thanks, Phil, for helping to keep their memory alive...they were an awesome group!!

[@tomhiggins875]

Exactly.

[@tomhiggins875]

That's what I recall as well.

[@crmlcd]

I too heard that Dean Martin said these men were his inspiration and it is very apparent in Dino’s musical style.

[@Sue20022010]

Truth!

[@drewpall2598]

Thanks to my mom I grew up listening The Mills Brothers, The Ink spots, The Ames Brothers, Big Bands Swing era, all the crooners of the 1940's 50's 60's. I feel I have a divert taste in music from rock & roll, rhythm & blues, folk, country, jazz, longhair classical. thanks for rockin' through the history of music Fil. 👍😊

[@andrewpetik2034]

It sounds like you and I had an experience that was very similar. I grew up with my parents' and grandparents' music..... WW 1 marching tunes Big band era Crooners Classical Jazz A very eclectic mix.....

[@carollizc]

@@andrewpetik2034 Isn't it wonderful to have such a diverse, and eclectic, set of musical influences. My mum made me attend an opera (Turandot)when I was 12, and I fell in love. My Nan introduced me a little to music hall standard, as her sister had performed in the music halls in the 1910s and 20s until her arthritis became too severe. I can still sing along to George Formby and Gracie Fields. I'm a folkie from way back; I wanted to be Mary from Peter Paul and Mary when I grew up(I was born in 57) and I heard a lot of traditional Newfie tunes and country music growing up. I think part of what's missing from tv now is the variety show. That exposed kids to a lot of different musical styles, too. We were so lucky, not having our listening locked into one box as we grew up. It truly allowed music to become a universal language.

[@Katsem]

My parents had their records, and I listened to them when I was a small child. Dean Martin sang this one with them when they came on his show. So great, and funny.

[@Brian-db7ej]

Here they are with Dean. There's a short portion where they demonstrate the horn sounds that they make. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZzcYqaIoNR6p7c

[@byzcath]

My dad and his friends loved the Mills Brothers and they formed a quartet in high school because of them, same as I did because of the Beatles!

[@theoloutlaw]

A big MIlls Brothers fan here! Great pick here Fil! :)

[@winterlude100]

My Dad loved them too... Glowworm is my personal favorite!

[@kathypiazza7228]

My dad sang all their songs- he often sang Cab Driver to our mom. I think he even had 78’s of them! My dad was born 1932. I’m 62.

[@chipurBillWhite]

They were so tight - so great. Thanks, Fil.

[@jinglebe11rainbow37]

Mills Bros. Are the best. Large part of my early childhood soundtrack. Still listen to them frequently. Thanks Fil!

[@kaspinet]

What stage presence and the harmonies.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

I’ve never heard of this Quartet. There’s a a lot I’ll never know, but I do know, that I love the warmth & cheer of this music. It’s warm like melted amber, like maple syrup. This is really really nice.

[@kmcn3774]

Some great harmony on Mills Brothers “Glow Worm”

[@andyward8062]

The show aired February 22, 1964 (The Lawrence Welk Show)

[@SamtheMan0508]

According to Barry Gibb the Mills Brothers were an inspiration.

[@750count]

Also Dean Martin Makes very much sense when you think about it

[@mrg7407]

Yes there was a video were Andy was jumping and happy because the Mills brothers were on his show. He remembered listening to them with Mom and Dad

[@beamspickett]

I'm just so glad that my father was the man he was, and had a library of reel-to-reel tapes that he had recorded that introduced me to so much music I don't think I would have ever heard otherwise. I love the Mills Brothers and the Inkspots, but Dad gave me bluegrass, proper old-school country, classical, and New Orleans jazz, too. It's nice to pass it on to my children.

[@750count]

Thank you so much for covering The Mills Brothers I have been listening to them for decades, especially at Christmas time Some of the greatest vocal swing ever You gave them all the respect that they deserve

[@teresatorres3760]

I actually got to see them when I was 18 at the Gong Show they were wonderful.

[@cherylwilkinson3228]

I fell in love with the Mills Brothers when I was a child watching them on variety shows like the Ed Sullivan Show. Those shows were great because you got to see the new performers and the great stars of the past. I wish they had tv like that now instead of so many silly reality shows.

[@andrewpetik2034]

Yes!

[@simonturkel3607]

They are wonderful. What tones! Dean Martin loved them.

[@redparrot53]

Love the Mills Brothers, learned about them from my parents!

[@jobe6792]

Someone else may have made this comment, but check out The Mills Brothers with The Boston Pops. You will hear the beautiful way they made their voices sound like horns. It is wonderful! My favorite group ever. And at 18:59 you were actually referring to Harry, the lead singer on this song. Left to right - Herbert, Donald, Harry.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Can't get any more classic than this. Thanks Fil for sharing/posting.

[@catzdollz9810]

I think his name is PHIL.

[@ivannovotny4552]

@@catzdollz9810 I know his name is FIL.

[@CaptainBakerJason]

Excellent choice Fil, spot on! This performance was from February 1964 from The Lawrence Welk Show in the USA. 💪🏻🎤🎶🎤🎶🎤🎤🎸🎶👍🏻

[@kathimorrical9912]

YOU must keep TV Guides!

[@belascialoja4812]

Oh, Love That Swing!

[@dantean]

You're a GOD, Fil--as were they! I'm not sure whether you knew, but Dean Martin is said to have been the HUGEST fan of theirs, and was said to often play their records for friends, singling out baritone Harry Mills in particular as his greatest singing influence and hero. Dean-O was a GOD, as well! Rock on, brother!

[@johnj2763]

The Brothers appeared on Dean's TV show a number of times. You can catch some of those appearances on KZbin.

[@matthirn7858]

Fil, I must have missed this when you posted it two years ago. Thank you for hitting everything significant about The Mills Brothers. Their harmony, stage presence, and ability to swing made them so endearing. Thanks too, for showing over and over how live performance is that place where we can find this magic, especially in an era where technology is offered as a substitute for it.

[@irhonda31]

I listened to the Mills Brothers as a little kid with my grandfather; those are special memories. He loved them, and so do I. Thank you for the analysis and history.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

They were great. Up a Lazy River etc

[@catzdollz9810]

Loved that one!

[@williammanns9927]

"You always hurt the one you love" & "Lazy River" are both awesome

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil...I remember The Mills Brothers! This was when music was real music! I just love this kind of harmony! Thanks for my childhood memories being restored! ✌️

[@louisemproto]

Bringing America 🇺🇸 together thru shree musical beauty .....if you can't love the Mills Brothers your crippled inside ! 6 million records in wartime America God bless the boys

[@WriteSister]

It's so cool that you've featured The Mills Brothers.

[@kathyhall5073]

February 1964 on the Lawrence Welk Show

[@judiroth7855]

Fil, love it when you smile when something great comes up. It calls attention to that moment in the performance👏⭐️👍🌈

[@flemit35]

I love their older stuff without a band, just the group and a guitar

[@55judylw]

Thank God and my mom for the Mills Brothers. Mom loved these guys and used to sing their songs around the house while she was doing housework. She had a beautiful voice. I credit her for my love of so many different genres of music. Thanks for your analysis, Fil. Haven't heard a Mills Brothers tune for awhile. Your analysis was informative and interesting, as always.

[@lynndow3185]

Vocal groups who are siblings have something I have heard called, "Blood Harmony"....I love that term and love hearing the sound! The Mills Brothers seemed to be having so much fun here, too! Great analysis, thanks!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

The brothers Gibb and the Everly brothers had this shared sound. Something more than a shared mic for sure.

[@sharronbennett8990]

If this performance was on the Lawrence Welk show I might have watched it at my dear Grandmothers house.Their voices are smooth as honey!

[@helpinghomelesscats5819]

My grandmother always had Lawrence Welk or Liberace on when the TV was on.

[@mkshffr4936]

What a gnarly key. Makes it all the more impressive.

[@ck-oy1ek]

Hi! I love your videos! Can you please analyze The Highwaymen singing Highwayman next? It's one of my favorite songs. The highwaymen featured country legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. It's certainly worth listening to.

[@emmelleperry9956]

Classic!!

[@ToddSikking]

So nice to see this analysis, many thanks. I grew up in Cincinnati and wondered why my Dad used to love their songs so much...not just the brilliant harmony; but, they started locally. Before WLW radio, they were on WSAI radio in Cincinnati as well (per a interview Harry gave). Just goes to show, true talent transgresses popular trends....and with no auto-tune!!

[@rickyellison9103]

Enjoy your hobby, work, intensity and music Fil. Thanks so much

[@barbaramilone2800]

Fil, I loved this so much!! Actually, these great guys were on the charts with this song in the 1940s. I wasn't around then, but my dad always loved the Mills Brothers. When I was a very young child in the late 1950s, Dad always sang "Daddy's Little Girl" to me (including at my wedding, and I cried my eyes out!), and he continued to sing it to me later on until his untimely death 30 years ago. These men were amazing. Thank you for featuring them! 💗

[@williamwallace2325]

Every father of a daughter out there---play/sing "Daddy's Little Girl" to your daughter. I started singing it to my daughter at bedtime when she was a small child. I quoted a section of the lyric to her in email just this week, decades later...

[@katheryns1219]

The Mills Brothers were from Piqua, Ohio, and, like you said, their dad was a barber. My mom and her siblings would go to him to get their hair cut in the late 20's/early 30's. My mom died at the age of 101 this past January, so that was a long time ago!

[@Bliggick]

Thanks Fil. The Mills Brothers have been a guilty pleasure of mine for years. Thanks for mentioning the early days with John Jr. and John Sr. When you think about, when they were young they might have been the world's first "boy band" teen idols. So talented and one of Dean Martin's favourite influences. There is a great video of them singing with Dean on KZbin.

[@d.h.a.2700]

Thank you for this! Mills Brothers are a little before my time and it's nice to see them. Love their showmanship and the little flair they add for the performance.

[@johnbethell1952]

Being born in 1952 and having musicians all around me in extended family, (nearly enough muso's to have our own Big Band) i had Mills Brothers, The Ink Spots and all the popular artists of the time on Records and every weekend we would have a family Jam Session, i think that is why I appreciate all the music from 1940s to 1980s more than what i hear on top 40 lists today

[@aprils6589]

I was thinking last week to recommend them. Thx!

[@drewpall2598]

Hello April S Shine little glow worm, glimmer, glimmer.

[@aprils6589]

@@drewpall2598 you make me smile. I was a big fan of the mills bros. when I was a kid.

[@drewpall2598]

@@aprils6589 Thanks for the kind words friend. 🤗

[@Mickju]

I'm 77 and loved hearing the Mills Brothers when I was growing up in the 50s and early 60s. My father lived them also.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Watching again love the mills brothers. Love you're willingness to listen to all types of music. You're very fair minded. Thanks

[@TheViewmaster1971]

Love it... thanks Fil !!!!

[@publicclammer]

Thank you for the lovely history lesson! I will turn 80 this year and The Mills Brothers have been a favorite of mine for most of my life. Right now I'm infatuated with the acapella group "Home Free" and if you are not familiar with them please check them out! I would start with "Man of Constant Sorrow" cover.

[@sabocikotic7632]

That kind of music is so sweet and healthy.

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice ! Band memories goes back to being a little kid. Love the arch top.

[@pamegan8735]

"Paper Doll" was a hit song for The Mills Brothers. In the United States it held the number-one position on the Billboard singles chart for twelve weeks, from November 6, 1943, to January 22, 1944. This is what I googled. Never heard of them , but I really like it .! Great analyses Fil as always !! You’re the best !🤘🏻

[@ms.rlsteele351]

Big band era

[@williammanns9927]

Paper doll was originally the B side to "I'll be around". Apparently some DJ turned it over and played "paper doll" and the rest was history...

[@pamegan8735]

@@williammanns9927 Thank you for the information .

[@jamesmarshall8836]

This episode of Lawrence Welk was taped in February of 1964.

[@frankscarborough1428]

My love of the Mills Brothers came from my mother. My favorite song by them is cab driver. Thanks so much for this video. They are a national treasure. I start some of my days listening to them.

[@jinglebe11rainbow37]

Great video Fil. This is I believe the Lawrence Welk show, from 02/22/1964.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@brianberthiaume7930]

The Mills Brothers were great , my fathers favorite group

[@SueProv]

Wow my dad and grandad listened to the Mills brothers.

[@isorokudono]

Dean Martin said the, "Mills Brothers TAUGHT ME HOW TO SING". You want another great Quartet, Phil?? Watch the movie A SONG IS BORN, Virginia Mayo and Danny Kaye........too many famous people in it to mention, but, THE GOLDEN GATE QUARTET is among the best. Oh and Gene Krupa is young and Mel Powell is playing with Lionel Hampton, Louis, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman.........please review it......you can thank me later. haha kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6WWmImkhJ6MpLs

[@johnfels6339]

I remember hearing them when I was a kid. Their voices are beautiful

[@eileenszudejko3455]

Thank you for doing this group I grew up listening to them. They have such incredible harmony. This is a group everyone should hear

[@dougjohnson9948]

Thank you for going way back. It was a treat.

[@colleengeier9994]

I saw them sing at a state fair when I was a kid, then I saw them one more time when I was about 20 years old. I was probably the only kid singing along with all of their songs.😂 I may have been a nerdy kid, but this is amazing harmony!!

[@catmother4214]

Nice review as always! My Dad LOVED them !!! He (my Dad) taught guitar until he was in his 80's!!! So I was exposed to this type of music as early as when I just learned to walk and talk. This and Big Band Music which my Dad also performed as a young man. Love it !!! 🌹🌸🌺🥀💐🏵️💋☔🍒🌺🥀🌸🌹🍒☂️❤️💋💐🌹🌸🌺🥀🌹🌸❤️💋🏵️🌺🥀🌸🌹🏵️💋❤️☔🌺

[@senordonkfish4375]

Loved it (:

[@Allmusic956]

Thanks for explaining how wonderful the human voice is when harmonizing.. Many people today have not been taught about the wonders of the human voice.

[@njmcd]

Top dog analysis! Enjoyed the old-time jazz/swing vibe. I remember these guys and the hit song 🎵

[@scotttreece7632]

Wow. Good stuff. I remember listening to their greatness hits on 8 track with my dad around ‘71 or ‘72. Memorable times

[@gingerduran1592]

This performance was on the Lawrence Welk show. I think your time frame was good, Fil. The Bee Gees were fans of the Mills Brothers, Shared! :)

[@bob_._.]

IMDB shows their only appearance on Lawrence Welk as Feb 22, 1964.

[@rdalin]

It's a delight to see this. I love the Mills Brothers.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I am smiling just as wide as you are. Thank you

[@elizabethspedding1975]

I'll have to show this to my Mum. It's great. Lovely harmony.♥️

[@RosaKay55]

Thanks for this trip down memory lane. The great Mills Brothers set the bar for future sibling groups, like the Ames brothers, Everlys, Bee Gees Jackson 5, Osmonds and so on. It seems those who have singing siblings have a built-in advantage. A great analysis, Fil!

[@suehollar2578]

I must have heard them in a movie because I don't remember when or where is saw them. They look like they are having a blast on stage.

[@selwynandrews9665]

Facebook has thrown up a couple of their videos recently, and I'm sold. Warm, effortless and talented. The video of "Caravan" from the Mike Douglas show in 1966 is fantastic. And your enjoyment of their performance was priceless. Great video, thanks!

[@louisemproto]

Thanks for keeping this music alive !

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

The Mills Brothers inspired a massive amount of vocal groups all around the world.

[@roberttew5928]

Love Mills Brothers. Introducedvyo me by my dad mid 70s. Got one LP and a cassette of theirs. Lovely harmonies, humour in their songs and beautiful tunes. Great video and analysis.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

What a treat, Fil. My dad had me listen to these guys back in the mid-60s when I was little kid. Never appreciated them back then but, man, are they good. Great video!

[@josefeschweiler3631]

The Mills Bros, the stunning vocal group of pre & past WWII period.

[@johnj2763]

You've even analyzed The Mills Brothers! Fil you may have won another devotee here. Very few have reacted to this phenomenal and largely forgotten masters of song. They are simply sublime. Brandishing stunning harmonies, perfect vocal control and tone and resonance rarely matched and never exceeded. Even the Gibbs Brothers and the Jacksons refer to the debt owed to these guys. They actually became noted during the late '20's and some of their earliest songs and surviving videos are fun to watch. This video was from a 1964 appearance on the Lawrence Welk Show. As you can tell they had great charisma too. Even more incredible is listening to them 16 years later in a mystical gig along with the Boston Pops. I remember this one since I was there at the back of the hall and their sound was clear and crisp and oozing with character. Like a fine wine these guys aged sweetly. Miraculously this performance was taped and preserved. You'll find them utilizing their mimicking skills and perfectly imitated the orchestras' horn section. Here is that performance with The Boston Pops in 1980 singing "Basin Street Blues' and "Up a Lazy River". kzbin.info/www/bejne/laDGpKGpisaVjbM Simply amazing. Enjoy!

[@johnj2763]

BTW that is John Williams leading the orchestra and you can see the absolute joy on his face while conducting for these guys.

[@catzdollz9810]

I grew up watching the Mills brothers. It would have been in 50's to early 60's as they were often featured on the Lawrence Welk show.

[@kathimorrical9912]

This was on Lawrence Welk. Prob 60-62. It was a harmonica that was forgotten that got them famous with the vocal instrumentation. Paper Doll was written by a piano player from Hamilton, Ohio. They were great. My parents had seen them a couple of times live. Mom taught me ALL they're songs on ukulele. They will live foever!!💜

[@laurisontowski7686]

These guys Mills Bros are from my Hometown..Piqua, Ohio…. Before my time..but their music is timeless ❤

[@Yesica1993]

Delightful! First time hearing them.

[@alexisjones3550]

Love your analysis!

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Wonderful and very entertaining. Thanks, Fil! 🖤🤘🏽

[@beatlesarebest]

Dude, you'r posts are ALWAYS AWESOME!!! I REALLY do appreciate what you do and all the genres you look at. Simply brilliant and entertaining. Thank you,. Here's where I get selfish and tell you not to stop making videos!!!!! There is sooo much to explore and you are the perfect one to do it.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@larryfried7742]

Great Job Fil...I learned something. Thank you. I've been in the music business now for well over 50 years and I'm surprised and delighted that a young professional like yourself is so knowledgeable. Looking around at the young talent today. I was getting very down on just how very little they know. Maybe you might be the exception to the rule but, Your wide range and the depth of your musical knowledge is impressive. Believe me , if I say it ...It means something. *cheers*

[@lisbetsoda4874]

Your analysis and information is very thorough. Thank tou. You must love them too.

[@erlwilliam1]

I listened to the Mills brothers since I was in my early teens Dad had the old 78's that I listened to.

[@Froggyh63]

Love it, great reaction sir Fil! BTW, there is an acapella group, Voiceplay that does Carry On My Wayward Son....with nothing but vocals, beat boxing. Might be a great video for your followers!

[@revjosephcottle312]

Thanks for showcasing the Mills brothers. They are the smoothest and significantly superior to so many of their contemporaries. Velvet harmonies!

[@suzanneespinola6509]

Thank you for sharing. Very interesting. Also thank you for your good and fair review of The Bay City Rollers. Especially for fans like me. Especially Eric Faulkner. Eric is on his own now. And Eric Faulkner is doing his own music.