Eddie Miller (jazz saxophonist)

In his early teens, Miller got a job selling newspapers so he would be eligible for a newsboys' band.[1] His professional career began in New Orleans at 16, with his recording debut occurring in 1930. He worked in Ben Pollack's orchestra and then with Bob Crosby. He stayed with Crosby until the band broke up in 1942. He had his own band for a brief time after that before being drafted. However, he was discharged from the military early because of illness and settled in Los Angeles. After that he worked with Pete Fountain, appeared in most of Crosby's reunions, and did club work. He also played with trumpeter Al Hirt.

Miller was also a songwriter, with his best-known song being "Slow Mood," later known as "Lazy Mood" after Johnny Mercer noticed the tune and composed lyrics. Miller was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1998.

He won numerous Playboy and Esquire Jazz polls. Miller finished his career with Pete Fountain, living in New Orleans. Miller died at age 79 in Van Nuys, California, of pneumonia.[1]

While with the Pete Fountain organization, he was featured as the lead saxophonist at the 1971 and 1972 Greenwood Arts Festivals (Greenwood, Mississippi). Digitized recordings are available through the Delta Jazz Collection c/o of Allen Wood,Jr.

• Eddie Miller Interview NAMM Oral History Library (1984)
• Eddie Miller recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings.