When my Pop vocal group “The Sceptres” (Montreal, Canada), we were teens and fortunate to see The Mills Bro’s. At a club called “La Faison Bleu”, just north of Montreal. It was a week day and the club was virtually empty...always true of beginning of week. The Mills Bro’s. Cam out and performed like the club was full. After the set, they came out for a break and we introduced ourselves. They were absolute gentlemen. The take away from the experience was not only the absolute superb harmonies, but , for a young group, their superb control with one mic for the group, and the softness of their approach, impressed us so much that we always strived to be as professional at our gigs as these kings of vocal harmony. The best vocal group of all time, and a shout out to guitarist Norman Brown...superb. Bill Garry
Music like this makes UA-cam the best spot on the internet I've found. That last tune, "When You Were Sweet 16" is true unaccompanied Barbershop. They are all excellent.
I play this, and other music, and old movies and at first my kids rebel, but when they actually take a minute and listen, or watch, they really like it. No need for ratings. No foul profanity. Excellent.
I love listening to these men and dancing to their tunes. I grew up listening to this music because of my folks and I play them all the time; nothing so great as the Mills Brothers!
I built an entire career remaking the songs of the Mills Bros. playing in lounges all over and I have always paid tribute to them for the contribution they made to real music, not what the kids call music today....they were an institution that will never be replaced..sadly
These guys had top 10 hits in 6 decades. How many other singers have done that? We heard them in the 50's and 60's and on. So grandparents, parents and children could have all heard different songs by them.
Aaaa, the masters teach the students, the real meaning of music and harmony. Lest I forget....when music was music. Lets go back these times..please. A tear for those times, lord help us all.
Gosh, their voices were so beautiful. Their barbershop harmony was relaxed and not the "lock-and-ring" style that can literally make your nerve-endings sizzle in reaction, but they sang so pleasingly that only a total grouch would ever make any kind of complaint. I love to hear them. Thank you for posting.
I can't get enough of these guys. I liked a lot of the men singers, but the Mills Brothers were just the best. They knock me out just as the others have said. Their voices blended like no one else. So sorry they are gone.
Patty Black I entirely agree the Mills Brothers are the best and always will be! I have a bunch of CDs and Vinyl of these guys. It really is sad they're gone. I'm way to young to have ever had the privilege of seeing them in person. Wish I could have lived in that era.
Mom, Are you listening..remember those Sunday mornings? coffee and those hits from the likes of the best ever...The Mills Brothers, Nat "King" Cole, Etta, Nina, Yes indeed , yes indeed
They were truly an American icon. They're harmonies and phrasing set the pattern for many future groups, especially during the doo wop era. Many today forget that the Mills were one of the favorite groups during WWII due to their versatility and selections. They show what it takes to make good music without outrageous lyrics, clothing, or loud instruments. This music is performed on talent, something many of todays performers think they can disguise.
It is so wonderful to log onto a computer and bring up such talent as the Mills Brothers. You Tube makes it so easy to enjoy wonderful and varied "concerts". Thank you posters!
After their eldest brother, John Junior passed away in 1936, it's like they shifted direction and became an entirely different group. But in each case, they set the standard of excellence. Absolute, utter, jaw dropping perfection.
I would'nt call that Babrer shop harmonies, I would call it , ...Close Harmonies,. I love these guys, I used to play in a group that did a lot of harmony singing, We did glow worm. Singing with a vocal trio is a blast!
Never thought I could find this magnificent great rendition of this classic by the Mills Brothers. The introductory solo on "Let me call you Sweetheart" by ( Don) is simply unequaled.
I am dedicating this to my Sweet Angel Barbara whom I will see very soon. These words echo my lifetime feelings. God really did give me an Angel; she saved my life, and brought me closer to God, I love her with all my heart- - forever.
I remember hearing and seeing them in person when I was a little girl in the 1940’s. Even at that age I knew I was experiencing some wonderful sound and something very special. Here I am an elderly woman listening on U Tube and still amazed and enthralled by their wonderful songs. God bless their souls.
Beautiful, pure, lovely singing voices. Nothing compares in today's "music" (?). Songs my mother taught me by singing them over and over again to me as a little girl. I still remember them and love to hear them sing. What wonderful memories. Thank you You Tube for posting these, wonderful old songs by fantastic singers like the Mills Brothers. I am not 68 years young!
@navydoctrinidad ...............You hit the nail on the head Friend I"m only 58 and have been listening to them all my life as well. My folks played them all the time when i was growing up in the 50's. These guys, in my opinion, are smoother than Johnnie Walker Blue.
I live for this music. I can understand why so many groups were influenced by these great guys. I truly wish any of the music of today had even a touch of this!
This is just beautiful. It makes me feel like I was back in that time with a pin curled updo and one of those flair out bottom dresses watching them and falling in love with them and every note. Maybe afterwards, go to the corner diner and get a cherry coke vanilla ice cream float. And drop a coin in the jukebox. LOL I don't know, I just love this.
A simple Google of the Barbershop Harmony Society of America will get you there. Punch in your zip code where it says to, and there could be a chapter near you, here in the U.S?
@crankbv1 As a Sweet Adeline I sang female tenor, first with a chorus and then in various quartets. My voice and my energy for all the traveling to rehearsals and performances are gone now, too (I'll be 62 presently), but I have fond memories. Some of the chord progressions are so intensely powerful and beautiful it's nearly enough to make a listener melt where (s)he sits, and I'd never have experienced that without barbershop music, or even dreamed it could be possible. Here's to the memories!
@GuinnevereB Hearing the Mills Bro's takes me back some. l sang bass in a quartet for 14 years,and enjoyed every minute. We were one of three quartets which were also part of a 52 man Barbershop chorus, all singing in 4 part harmony. lt was really something to hear believe me. The songs chosen by the Mill's were standard grass roots pieces to us,and l still have the music copies along with some 120 more. l'm almost 69 now and the voice has gone,but l miss those days and the guys l sang with.
todays "music"..cannot, I repeat cannot even touch this style and grace of these fine 'gentlemen'. We have gone so far off course...talent..pure and simple. Thank God.
Yes, their music is wonderful. As is lots of contemporary music. Music isn't a monolithic entity. You must recognize that *every* generation of old people trashes the present and glorifies the past. When this music came out there were plenty of old, cranky people calling it garbage and wondering why the music from the 20s was better. Just enjoy the music.
The Mills brothers, although influenced by many earlier groups like The Ink Spots, gave their interpretations a fresh and exciting twist!!! Love them all....and thanks for posting!
To be more specific.....Many of the Mills Brothers recordings in the 1940s were influenced by The Ink Spots' previous releases in the late 1930s. Having said that, the Mills Brothers' career started in 1928, and The Ink Spots' career started in 1934...I Believe.
wrong way round mate. donald mills himself puts it in perspective saying the mills brothers spent most of the year 1936 in England, and on returning found America had discovered the ink spots and gotten into them, and forgotten about the Mills Brothers, and they had to re-establish themselves
the Mills Brothers are able to create the past with their singing even for those who are to young to have memories of it. that is part of their genius.
They began singing as children in front of their Dad's barber shop. So who can be more qualified to sing barbershop than the Mills Brothers. Also, their home town Piqua, Ohio appears to have something like a village green. It chokes me up.
WOW!... And to think of the absolute garbage we're subjected to on an almost daily basis.. GOD BLESS them all--the Mills Brothers. And..thanks for this excellent posting!
Why is it that comments are always filled with miserable people complaining about the present and glorifying the past? Music isn't a monolithic entity. It's wildly diverse. Chill out.
this is great! Thank you so much for these fine memories.If I could only go back to those wonderful days with all my family and friends.God bless America!!!
It's great that someone saved and is now sharing these old memories of mine. Great performers and singers. Music will never be the same or as good. Just my opinion but even todays country is way off from what it was. I guess it's just called progress??? I'm 64 and not cranky or fussy but can't get into 99% of todays music, lyrics and outfits.
Perhaps the thing I enjoy the most about having a computer and internet is to just do what I'm doing now-stepping back into a kinder, gentler time. Thanks for posting.
Beautiful... My grandmother used to sing this song to me and my cousins when we were kids. It was also one of the songs she'd hum while she was doing the dishes... :') this brought back a bunch of memories, thanks for posting :)
@jupitergleek You sound like me...I started listening to the oldies when I was 13 with my grandmother and now I'm 24 and still long for the type of innocence this music has. Sad the music of today doesn't have this type of "magic" feeling.
The Mills Bros are the best and have been the best for decades. May God bless their spirits and their descendants
When my Pop vocal group “The Sceptres” (Montreal, Canada), we were teens and fortunate to see The Mills Bro’s. At a club called “La Faison Bleu”, just north of Montreal. It was a week day and the club was virtually empty...always true of beginning of week. The Mills Bro’s. Cam out and performed like the club was full. After the set, they came out for a break and we introduced ourselves. They were absolute gentlemen. The take away from the experience was not only the absolute superb harmonies, but , for a young group, their superb control with one mic for the group, and the softness of their approach, impressed us so much that we always strived to be as professional at our gigs as these kings of vocal harmony. The best vocal group of all time, and a shout out to guitarist Norman Brown...superb.
Bill Garry
Music like this makes UA-cam the best spot on the internet I've found. That last tune, "When You Were Sweet 16" is true unaccompanied Barbershop. They are all excellent.
I've been listening to them for almost 70 years. It never gets old. Definitely the best vocalists ever.
I play this, and other music, and old movies and at first my kids rebel, but when they actually take a minute and listen, or watch, they really like it. No need for ratings. No foul profanity. Excellent.
Real Gentlemen, great harmonies, a great group.
I love listening to these men and dancing to their tunes. I grew up listening to this music because of my folks and I play them all the time; nothing so great as the Mills Brothers!
whos listening to the mill brothers in 2019 ?
You can't get any better vocal harmony!! the Mills Brothers are fantastic. A hip barber shop trio!!
I built an entire career remaking the songs of the Mills Bros. playing in lounges all over and I have always paid tribute to them for the contribution they made to real music, not what the kids call music today....they were an institution that will never be replaced..sadly
These guys had top 10 hits in 6 decades. How many other singers have done that? We heard them in the 50's and 60's and on. So grandparents, parents and children could have all heard different songs by them.
Aaaa, the masters teach the students, the real meaning of music and harmony. Lest I forget....when music was music. Lets go back these times..please. A tear for those times, lord help us all.
Gosh, their voices were so beautiful. Their barbershop harmony was relaxed and not the "lock-and-ring" style that can literally make your nerve-endings sizzle in reaction, but they sang so pleasingly that only a total grouch would ever make any kind of complaint.
I love to hear them. Thank you for posting.
I can't get enough of these guys. I liked a lot of the men singers, but the Mills Brothers were just the best. They knock me out just as the others have said. Their voices blended like no one else. So sorry they are gone.
Patty Black I entirely agree the Mills Brothers are the best and always will be! I have a bunch of CDs and Vinyl of these guys. It really is sad they're gone. I'm way to young to have ever had the privilege of seeing them in person. Wish I could have lived in that era.
They are Not gone they will live through their music forever and we will always listen to them because they were the best
I these guys have no equal, never a bad note from them, and no discrimation either. That is why GOD put them on earth!!!
Mom, Are you listening..remember those Sunday mornings? coffee and those hits from the likes of the best ever...The Mills Brothers, Nat "King" Cole, Etta, Nina, Yes indeed , yes indeed
They were truly an American icon. They're harmonies and phrasing set the pattern for many future groups, especially during the doo wop era. Many today forget that the Mills were one of the favorite groups during WWII due to their versatility and selections. They show what it takes to make good music without outrageous lyrics, clothing, or loud instruments. This music is performed on talent, something many of todays performers think they can disguise.
All I can say is WOW! This is magic, if you don't like this mix you have no idea of what music really is.
When Don sings the solo's you can hear him take each breath. And even they sound beautiful.
I was born in 64 and I just recently Found the Mills Brothers and its Happy Music uplifting my Soul. I'm hooked from now on.
It is so wonderful to log onto a computer and bring up such talent as the Mills Brothers. You Tube makes it so easy to enjoy wonderful and varied "concerts". Thank you posters!
Absolute perfection and I am 25 years old and love, I'm talking LOVE these guys!
I’m pretty sure your 31, how silly of you
After their eldest brother, John Junior passed away in 1936, it's like they shifted direction and became an entirely different group. But in each case, they set the standard of excellence. Absolute, utter, jaw dropping perfection.
I would'nt call that Babrer shop harmonies, I would call it , ...Close Harmonies,. I love these guys, I used to play in a group that did a lot of harmony singing, We did glow worm. Singing with a vocal trio is a blast!
How fortunate we are and wonderful it is we are still able to listen beautiful music and melody like this again. It truly makes me feel young again.
They were the absolute best and still are today...thank you the Brothers Mills !
I grew up in the late 1960s. I'm a blues rock drummer. But so appreciate this stuff. What true talent!!
Millsbrothers. Are great
Love to listen
Millss brothers great singing a valentine favorite save. For Feb. 14 to listen to from a former. Sweet Adeline member.
This group is the 'Glen Miller" of vocal groups ....thick, lucious, rich, superb!!!
Good music is good music...... old or new .
nothing, no one no how no where was better than these guys
Never thought I could find this magnificent great rendition of this classic by the Mills Brothers. The introductory solo on "Let me call you Sweetheart" by ( Don) is simply unequaled.
Gosh, isn't it a shame we don't have this kind of music today!
Silky smooth - the best. What harmony
I am dedicating this to my Sweet Angel Barbara whom I will see very soon. These words echo my lifetime feelings. God really did give me an Angel; she saved my life, and brought me closer to God, I love her with all my heart- - forever.
This is music from my childhood as well and I love it so much and it make me cry as well. Thank you so much UA-cam.
I'm a vocal harmony guy. Sang doo-wop on the street corners of Brooklyn long time ago. These guys knock me out. Beautiful.
so true, best comment, Knock me out
If someone fell in love a sound ,it happened. Velvety soft , clean vocals. You can not compare them with others.
. For me they biggest .
I remember hearing and seeing them in person when I was a little girl in the 1940’s. Even at that age I knew I was experiencing some wonderful sound and something very special. Here I am an elderly woman listening on U Tube and still amazed and enthralled by their wonderful songs. God bless their souls.
Beautiful, pure, lovely singing voices. Nothing compares in today's "music" (?). Songs my mother taught me by singing them over and over again to me as a little girl. I still remember them and love to hear them sing. What wonderful memories. Thank you You Tube for posting these, wonderful old songs by fantastic singers like the Mills Brothers. I am not 68 years young!
Who was ever better? Nobody, no time, no place, no how!
so right you are. no voice adjustment required just pure talent.
Robert Catesby not better, but I always liked the Ames Brothers.
The Platters were great singers too.
im a caregiver and I love playing all this music for my LO They don't make music like this anymore
OH! OH! AM I IN HEAVEN? SURE SOUNDS LIKE IT!!! LUCKY ME!!
Quintessential harmonic voices that have fed subsequent professional and amateurs for decades - not ending anytime soon! Sublime!
@navydoctrinidad ...............You hit the nail on the head Friend
I"m only 58 and have been listening to them all my life as well.
My folks played them all the time when i was growing up in the 50's.
These guys, in my opinion, are smoother than Johnnie Walker Blue.
I live for this music. I can understand why so many groups were influenced by these great guys. I truly wish any of the music of today had even a touch of this!
@Shelby...Their female opposites were the Boswell Sisters.
I agree 100%---these fellas had the magic---you either have it or you don't!
I close my eyes and listen and time just stops.........can't tell you how much I enjoy this........
When I was young, my dad and I sang these songs together at least once a week. What wonderful memories
It doesn't get any better than the Mills Brothers.
What beautiful voices. I remember them from my youth. They were the best.
Oh my,so great!
The Best of the Best.
Splendid
This is just beautiful. It makes me feel like I was back in that time with a pin curled updo and one of those flair out bottom dresses watching them and falling in love with them and every note. Maybe afterwards, go to the corner diner and get a cherry coke vanilla ice cream float. And drop a coin in the jukebox. LOL I don't know, I just love this.
lovely.
I love barbershop songs it's a lost art.
The barbershop craft is alive and well. Google and youtube it.
A simple Google of the Barbershop Harmony Society of America will get you there.
Punch in your zip code where it says to, and there could be a chapter near you, here in the U.S?
I couldn't agree with you more! This is real music.
Love, love, love these guys. ♥️ Perfection ♥️
Memories of gentler times..
@crankbv1 As a Sweet Adeline I sang female tenor, first with a chorus and then in various quartets. My voice and my energy for all the traveling to rehearsals and performances are gone now, too (I'll be 62 presently), but I have fond memories. Some of the chord progressions are so intensely powerful and beautiful it's nearly enough to make a listener melt where (s)he sits, and I'd never have experienced that without barbershop music, or even dreamed it could be possible. Here's to the memories!
@GuinnevereB Hearing the Mills Bro's takes me back some. l sang bass in a quartet for 14 years,and enjoyed every minute. We were one of three quartets which were also part of a 52 man Barbershop chorus, all singing in 4 part harmony. lt was really something to hear believe me. The songs chosen by the Mill's were standard grass roots pieces to us,and l still have the music copies along with some 120 more. l'm almost 69 now and the voice has gone,but l miss those days and the guys l sang with.
todays "music"..cannot, I repeat cannot even touch this style and grace of these fine 'gentlemen'. We have gone so far off course...talent..pure and simple. Thank God.
Yes, their music is wonderful. As is lots of contemporary music. Music isn't a monolithic entity. You must recognize that *every* generation of old people trashes the present and glorifies the past. When this music came out there were plenty of old, cranky people calling it garbage and wondering why the music from the 20s was better. Just enjoy the music.
I usually just listen to the great lead song in this UTube. Now I'm listening to the last.....Sweet Sixteen...and I'm blown away.
Thanks for putting this together. I grew up listing to this. Never gets old!!!!!
Their country album is wonderful!
Four of the most beautiful voices. I can still hear my dad singing this to my mom when I was little.....willyleeman's Bonnie
The Mills brothers, although influenced by many earlier groups like The Ink Spots, gave their interpretations a fresh and exciting twist!!! Love them all....and thanks for posting!
The Mills Bros came before the Ink Spots.
To be more specific.....Many of the Mills Brothers recordings in the 1940s were influenced by The Ink Spots' previous releases in the late 1930s. Having said that, the Mills Brothers' career started in 1928, and The Ink Spots' career started in 1934...I Believe.
wrong way round mate. donald mills himself puts it in perspective saying the mills brothers spent most of the year 1936 in England, and on returning found America had discovered the ink spots and gotten into them, and forgotten about the Mills Brothers, and they had to re-establish themselves
Thank you what a blessing to hear the best music ever. We feel soory for our grandchildren who have no idea how special this music is. Pat
the Mills Brothers are able to create the past with their singing even for those who are to young to have memories of it.
that is part of their genius.
They are the best!@ Just love it
I'm with you Uli!
I love them. Have them on vinyl. Thanks for posting these.
I love it... It is one of the most beautiful musical performances I've ever heard.
They began singing as children in front of their Dad's barber shop. So who can be more qualified to sing barbershop than the Mills Brothers. Also, their home town Piqua, Ohio appears to have something like a village green. It chokes me up.
Simply Beautiful!
WOW!...
And to think of the absolute garbage we're subjected to on an almost daily basis..
GOD BLESS them all--the Mills Brothers.
And..thanks for this excellent posting!
Why is it that comments are always filled with miserable people complaining about the present and glorifying the past? Music isn't a monolithic entity. It's wildly diverse. Chill out.
So, so sorry they are all gone! 😥
Heavenly voices!!
this is great! Thank you so much for these fine memories.If I could only go back to those wonderful days with all my family and friends.God bless America!!!
It's great that someone saved and is now sharing these old memories of mine. Great performers and singers. Music will never be the same or as good. Just my opinion but even todays country is way off from what it was. I guess it's just called progress??? I'm 64 and not cranky or fussy but can't get into 99% of todays music, lyrics and outfits.
Great performance of an all-time favorite by a classy Group. It doesn't get any better than that!.
Thanks for sharing!
Perhaps the thing I enjoy the most about having a computer and internet is to just do what I'm doing now-stepping back into a kinder, gentler time. Thanks for posting.
Pure talent! True gentlemen! This makes me smile.:)
Classic stuff!
Beautiful...
My grandmother used to sing this song to me and my cousins when we were kids. It was also one of the songs she'd hum while she was doing the dishes... :') this brought back a bunch of memories, thanks for posting :)
The greatest harmony group that ever made recordings
Love the smooth voices and harmony of these brothers. They all were one in a million!
I SOOOOO AGREE!!! Bring back the old goodies. I love it.
My comfort songs!❤
I was about three and remember the maroon 33 1/3 recording of "Open the Door Richard". Thanks for the beautiful music, Desmond.
I am sitting here singing along with the song and it makes me soooo happy. :-)) Thank you!
where have these guys been my whole life?! their tones are so creamy and smooth!
Harmony supreme R.I.P. Brothers 😢.!
Donald Mills performed for 72 years....now that's longevity.
Thank you so much for this beautiful music. Its one of the few things that makes me happy to be alive.
The Mills Brothers are my favorite singing group of all time.
What harmony, what talent. I consider myself lucky to appreciate the music of groups such as this.
Astonishing harmony. Thank you for sharing. They are favorites of mine since I can remember......late 1950s.
@jupitergleek You sound like me...I started listening to the oldies when I was 13 with my grandmother and now I'm 24 and still long for the type of innocence this music has. Sad the music of today doesn't have this type of "magic" feeling.
Really, really nice! I never get tried of the Mills Brothers and what great songs.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.
My father danced with me on my wedding day to this song. I love you dad.
Absolutely amazing voices and musicianship; talk about being in the pocket...........wow
THE BEST!
On my wedding day, I'm going to dance the first dance to this song--by the Mills Brothers and no one else.