Whittier College News Release

For Immediate Release - December 16, 1998
Media Contact
Reference: 98/99: 48

CALENDAR

The Mills Brothers, featuring John and Donald Mills, in concert

WHAT: The Mills Brothers, featuring John and Donald Mills, in concert

WHEN: 8:00 p.m., Saturday, January 23

WHERE: The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College
13406 Philadelphia St., Whittier

COST: $30.00 orchestra, $25.00 center balcony/mezzanine, $20.00 side balcony/mezzanine

ADD: The Mills Brothers began their brilliant musical careers at home in Ohio in 1922. The original three brothers--taught to sing by their father--entertained millions for over fifty years. Remaining member, Donald Mills, has recruited his youngest son, John, into the act to continue the Mills Brothers tradition with a fabulous duo.

In an almost magical manner, Donald and John are able to recapture the distinctiveness of the original group, down to the keen mimicking of orchestral instruments. "I enjoy going on stage with my son, singing what my brothers and I did, and afterward having people coming up saying they don't know how we do it because it sounds like four voices," Donald says.

Donald--together with the original Mills Brothers--has recorded with the likes of Al Jolson, Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald. In fact, not too many have been around as long, and have done as much as the incomparable Donald Mills.

Donald's son John has been in the music business for the better part of his life and made his first recording at the age of twelve on an original Mills Brothers/Count Basie album. As an accomplished arranger, composer and producer, John brings a sense of 'the new' to the time-honored and well-loved tradition of the Mills Brothers.

John and Donald Mills perform all the well-known songs that made the Mills Brothers famous, including such titles as "Paper Doll," "Cab Driver," "Glow Worm," "Lazy River" and "Basin Street Blues." Additionally, they present a selection of fabulous new songs from their latest release "Still There is You." "The Mills Brothers continue to draw audiences in droves with distinctive harmony and great songs,"(L.A. Times).

In 1998, these two amazing performers were honored with a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, and their distinctive harmonies and unmistakable repertoire of hits continue to symbolize the pureness and class of a legendary tradition to a new generation of audiences.

"This show at the Shannon Center will certainly be a night to remember, and definitely not one to be missed," said David Palmer, manager of the Shannon Center.

The Mills Brothers performance will run 90 minutes with no intermission.

INFORMATION: (562) 907-4203