A man with a heart and a hearse
Bob Miller
Some people work quietly behind the scenes, but their influence is monumental. Bob Miller, also known as Robert Miller, was just such a person. A funeral director and former mayor of Bronzeville, Miller was much more than just a businessman—he was Mahalia Jackson's first enthusiastic ally, manager, and a steadfast friend whose foresight and dedication were instrumental in the rise of the gospel icon.
An unusual manager with a heart and a hearse
Miller was not your typical music manager. Between funerals, he managed Mahalia's career, driving her to performances in his hearse and demonstrating a dedication that went far beyond the call of duty. Mahalia herself affectionately called him her “boss,” a title that reflected the deep appreciation and trust she had in him. As a qualified secretary and editor of the National Funeral Directors Association, he also demonstrated his organizational skills and professional meticulousness.
From the graveyard to the stage: the beginnings of a legend
It was Bob Miller who helped Mahalia Jackson get her first gig outside of a church—in a school auditorium. He encouraged families to hire Mahalia for their funerals, not for the money, but out of “love for God and to honor the deceased.” He recognized Mahalia's extraordinary talent early on and paid her $2 (and more) per performance – a fortune during the Depression that secured Mahalia's livelihood.
Far-sightedness
Together with “Doc Hawkins,” he discovered and promoted Mahalia around twenty years before 1954, organized concerts, introduced her to important figures such as Ink Williams, and paved the way for her to sign a record deal with Decca Records. Without Bob Miller, Mahalia's path to becoming the “Queen of Gospel” would undoubtedly have been different, and probably more difficult.
A bridge builder for the civil rights movement
However, Miller's commitment was not limited to Mahalia's musical career. He was a quiet but decisive player in the civil rights struggle. His connection to Mahalia brought him into close contact with greats such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy, who became his friends. He informed Dr. King about Mahalia's beginnings in Chicago and, with his unparalleled network, organized impressive receptions for King in the city – with shiny limousines, motorcycle escorts, and the full support of Mayor Daley, who would “do anything” for Mahalia.
Miller experienced the realities of racial segregation firsthand. In Jackson, Mississippi, when three civil rights activists went missing, he felt the fear, but also the hope that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought with it—for the first time, he was able to stay at a hotel in the city center. Despite hostility and repeated stops by the police, he remained steadfast and supported the movement with complete conviction.
A man of action and trust
Miller was distinguished by his “gentle, precise voice” and his calm, level-headed manner. He was someone who always asked the right questions, even when Mahalia didn't have the answers, and who never questioned her methods. His shock turned to anger when he learned of a physical attack on Mahalia, and he did not hesitate to immediately ask Mayor Daley and other authorities for help. His loyalty and protective instincts were unwavering.
Bob Miller was one of those rare individuals who accomplish great things behind the scenes. He was Mahalia Jackson's rock, an indispensable advisor, an organizer, and a friend. His legacy is not only closely linked to the career of one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, but also to the quiet but powerful steps toward greater justice and equality. Bob Miller may have stood in the shadows, but his light was crucial to the path of many.