1911 - 2010
Mitch Miller 1911-2010
Miller was a key figure in Mahalia Jackson's career, particularly in connection with her move to Columbia Records. He not only worked as a producer for Mahalia, but also as a musician. Originally a classical oboist, he became a pop producer. Before joining Columbia, he was head of the Artists and Repertoire (A&R) department at Mercury. Mitch Miller rejected the traditional 32-bar song form and used “hybrid instruments.”
Hybridinstruments
are musical instruments that consist of elements from various other instruments. They can be a combination of acoustic and electronic components, or they can consist of parts from two or more different types of traditional instruments. Hybrid instruments often arise from a desire to create new timbres and expressive possibilities. However, they can also be developed for practical reasons, e.g. to combine the advantages of different instruments in a single instrument.
Some examples of “hybrid instruments”
The electric violin, a violin with an electric pickup that allows it to be played through an amplifier. The theremin, an electronic instrument that is played without being touched. The duduk, an Armenian oboe that is often played with an electronic effects device to alter its sound. Hybrid instruments are an important part of contemporary music and are often used in experimental and improvisational contexts. However, they can also play a role in traditional music, for example when musicians are looking for new ways to play their instruments.
Atlantic Records boss Jerry Wexler called Miller “the first great record producer in history.”
It is mentioned that Mitch Miller arranged the songs for Mahalia's recordings with a 30- to 35-piece orchestra, complete with strings, brass, and woodwinds. However, the actual studio orchestra was smaller.
Here is a short interview with Mitch Miller from 2018.