Irving Mills
Irving Mills did a great deal to help jazz, making himself a great deal of money in the process. He is most famous for his work as manager for Duke Ellington during 1926-1939, helping Ellington gain his job at the Cotton Club, in addition to securing numerous recording sessions and important engagements. He also wrote the lyrics to some of Ellington's songs, including "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing," "Mood Indigo," and "Sophisticated Lady." He had earlier worked with his brother, Jack, in establishing a music publishing business that became Mills Music, Inc. Mills also promoted Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Fletcher Henderson, Jimmie Lunceford, and Don Redman, and appeared as a singer on many sessions (including some with Ellington). He put together all-star recording groups under the names of the Whoopee Makers and Irving Mills' Hotsy Totsy Gang (1928-1930) and in 1931 became the manager for an orchestra, which he renamed the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. After breaking with Ellington in 1939, Irving Mills maintained a lower profile, but stayed active in management and music publishing into the 1960s.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
Discography
4 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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All that Jazz, Vol. 40: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Live at Tanglewood Jazz Festival, 15th July 1956 (Remastered 2015)
Joya Sherrill, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish, Paul Francis Webster, Duke Ellington
Jazz - Released by Jube Pops on 4 Sep 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
2012 Midwest Clinic: Columbia College Jazz Ensemble
Irving Mills, Columbia College Jazz Ensemble, Brecan Bland, Dave Douglas, J. Richard Dunscomb
Jazz - Released by Mark Records on 7 May 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Sweet Savannah Sue (Shellack Recordings - 1929)
Jazz - Released by HotJazz on 31 May 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Musical moments to remember: "You and me" - Rosemarie Clooney and friends (2019 Remaster)
Pop - Released by Jube Legends on 10 May 2019
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo