Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted during 2016, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Jody Miller, which she submitted to this site on Tuesday 25 October 2016.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Jody Miller who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Jennifer Anne McMullen, without whom this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote’ from Jody Miller would not have been possible.
Jody Miller
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 25 October 2016.
‘Gene, you mentioned in your show, on Friday 21 October 2016, at Riverwind Casino (1544 State Highway 9) in Norman, Oklahoma, the great ones.
Well, I added you to that list: Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and Gene Watson.
I really enjoyed seeing his show and getting to talk to him’
Thank you, Jody Miller, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Jody Miller…
Jody Miller was born Myrna Joy Miller, on Saturday 29 November 1941, one week before Pearl Harbor Day, in Phoenix, Arizona, on a road trip between Blanchard, Oklahoma and Oakland, California where her family was bound.
Myrna Joy Miller was the fifth of five daughters born to her parents, Johnnie and Fay Miller. Born into this musical family, little Myrna learned to sing and harmonise, while listening to her father play hoedown fiddle at family gatherings.
When little Myrna was eight years old, her parents split up and she was sent back to Blanchard, Oklahoma to live with her seventy-eight year old Grandma Miller.
Myrna spent her next years in school playing basketball and being a cheerleader, as well as singing in the choir and with her trio The Melodies. It was in Blanchard, Oklahoma where Myrna met Monty Brooks, the man who would become her high school sweetheart and her husband of fifty-two years.
In 1962, Myrna Joy Miller and Monty Brooks married and, by summer, they moved to Los Angeles for ‘Joy Miller’ to pursue her career in music; the couple looked for work, while Myrna contacted producers to try to audition for them.
Monty Brooks came up with the plan for Myrna to contact fellow Oklahoman and screen / television actor, Dale Robertson (Saturday 14 July 1923 – Wednesday 27 February 2013) to see if he could help.
Myrna Joy Miller got an appointment with Dale Robertson (Saturday 14 July 1923 – Wednesday 27 February 2013), played and sang ‘Scarlet Ribbons’ for him, and he immediately called his friend, Fred Rice, at Capitol Records, where an audition was set up.
Capitol Records offered Myrna a contract and changed Joy’s name to Jody.
In 1963, Jody Miller saw the release of her debut album, ‘Wednesday’s Child Is Full of Woe’ (Capitol Records, 1963), which was produced by Kermit Walter, and included the following tracks:
‘Railroad Boy’ (written by Jody Miller)
‘Another Love’ (written by John Marshall)
‘On The Other Side of The Mountain’ (written by Jimmy Lowe)
‘All My Trials’ (written by Jody Miller)
‘Lonely Am I’ (written by Tom Glazer)
‘Big Midnight Special’, which was written by Wilma Lee Cooper (Monday 7 February 1921 – Tuesday 13 September 2011)
‘Butterfly’, which was written by Ken Curtis (Sunday 2 July 1916 – Sunday 28 April 1991) / Ken Curtis was an American singer and actor, who was best known for his role as Festus Haggen in the long-running CBS western television series, ‘Gunsmoke’
‘Last Night A Little Girl Grew Up’ (written by John Marshall)
‘Garden of My Heart’ (written by Gene Malone and Bob Klimes)
‘Wednesday’s Child’ (written by Gene Malone and Bob Klimes)
‘Hangman’ (written by Randy Sparks)
‘Evergreen Tree’ (written by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jody Miller’s debut album, ‘Wednesday’s Child Is Full of Woe’ (Capitol Records, 1963), included Billy Strange (Monday 29 September 1930 – Wednesday 22 February 2012), Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) and Jody Miller (guitar).
In 1963, Jody Miller performed her first Las Vegas engagement at The Mint, alongside Sheb Wooley (Sunday 10 April 1921 – Tuesday 16 September 2003).
Jody Miller then recorded the pop single, ‘He Walks Like A Man’ (written by Diane Hildebrand) for Capitol Records, which was brought to her by Joe Allison of Central Songs; the track became Jody Miller’s first Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart hit, reaching No.66 in 1964, and also reached No.8 on the Kent Music Report Chart in Australia in 1964.
It was also in 1964 when Jody Miller saw the release of ‘They Call My Guy A Tiger’ (written by Diane Hildebrand and Steve Stone), a non-album track, which reached No.53 on the Kent Music Report Chart in Australia.
In 1965, Jody Miller flew to Europe to compete in the ‘invitation-only’ San Remo, Italy Music Festival. Working with songwriter Pino Dinaggio, Jody Miller introduced ‘Io Che Non Vivo’, a beautiful Italian ballad which was later translated into English as ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’. The song won second place at San Remo Festival.
While she was in Europe, Jody Miller recorded tracks in Italian and German; her German recording of a ‘J’etzGeh’nUnsere Sterne Auf’ charted on the German Top 40 chart.
When she returned to the United States, Jody Miller’s new producer at Capitol Records, Steve Douglas, presented her with the song, ‘Queen of The House’, with lyrics by Mary Taylor, which were set to the tune of ‘King of The Road’ from Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992).
Jody Miller recorded ‘Queen of The House’ weeks before giving birth to her daughter, Robin. ‘Queen of The House’ was rushed for release by Capitol Records; demand became so strong that the record pressing plant was unable to keep up with public demand.
In April 1965, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Queen of The House’ (Capitol Records, 1965), which was produced by Steve Douglas, and included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Queen of The House’, with lyrics written by Mary Taylor and music by Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) (No.5, 1965) / the track reached No.12 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965, and No.4 on the Billboard Easy Listening Chart in 1965 / this track secured Jody Miller’s title as a pioneering cross-over artist
‘Silver Threads & Golden Needles’, which was written by Jack Rhodes (1908 – 1968) and Dick Reynolds / this track was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1965, but it did not chart. It did, however, reach No.54 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965
Jody Miller’s ‘Queen of The House’ (Capitol Records, 1965) also included the following tracks:
‘He Walks Like A Man’ (written by Diane Hildebrand) / this track reached No.64 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1964, and No.8 on the Kent Music Report Chart in Australia in 1964
‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool’, which was written by Howard Greenfield (Sunday 15 March 1936 – Tuesday 4 March 1986) and Jack Keller (Wednesday 11 November 1936 – Friday 1 April 2005)
‘The Race Is On’ (written by Don Rollins)
‘Odds & Ends (Bits & Pieces)’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Sea of Heartbreak’, which was written by Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Saturday 1 September 2012) and Paul Hampton
‘I Walk The Line’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) / this track featured guest vocals from Johnny Cash
‘Soft & Gentle Ways’ (written by Steve Stone)
‘If I’ (written by Tommy Boyce)
‘Greatest Actor’, which was written by Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992)
‘These Are The Years’, which was written by Billy Strange (Monday 29 September 1930 – Wednesday 22 February 2012), John McCarthy and Penny McCarthy
Personnel involved in the recording of Jody Miller’s ‘Queen of The House’ (Capitol Records, 1965) included the following:
The Johnny Mann Singers (vocals)
Billy Strange (Monday 29 September 1930 – Wednesday 22 February 2012) (arrangements)
Jody Miller’s ‘Queen of The House’ (Capitol Records, 1965) reached No.17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1965, and No.124 on the Billboard Top pop music albums chart in 1965.
In 1965, Jody Miller was nominated by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) for ‘Top Female Vocalist’ and for two Grammy Awards.
In 1966, Jody Miller won the Grammy Award for ‘Best Female Country Performance’.
In October 1965, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Home of The Brave’ (Capitol Records, 1965), which was produced by Steve Douglas, and included one track, which was a hit single:
‘Home of The Brave’, which was written by Cynthia Weil (Friday 18 October 1940 – Thursday 1 June 2023) and Barry Mann / this track reached No.25 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965, No.5 on the Canadian RPM Chart in 1965, and No.29 on the Australian Kent Music Report Chart in 1965
Jody Miller’s ‘Home of The Brave’ (Capitol Records, 1965) also included the following tracks:
‘Born To Lose’ (written by Frankie Brown)
‘Big Time Love’ (written by Paul Hampton)
‘In My Room’ (written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher)
‘Lonely Queen’, which was written by John McCarthy and Billy Strange (Monday 29 September 1930 – Wednesday 22 February 2012)
‘Only Love Can Break A Heart’, which was written by Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Saturday 1 September 2012) and Burt Bacharach (Saturday 12 May 1928 – Wednesday 8 February 2023)
‘He Hit Me’, which was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin (Saturday 11 February 1939 – Thursday 19 June 2014)
‘All I Really Want To Do’ (written by Bob Dylan)
‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘Let Me Get Close To You’, which was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin (Saturday 11 February 1939 – Thursday 19 June 2014)
‘It Keeps Right On A Hurtin’ (written by Johnny Tillotson)
In March 1966, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Jody Miller Sings The Great Hits of Buck Owens’ (Capitol Records, 1966), which included the following tracks, all of which were hit singles for Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (please note: chart positions refer to those achieved by Buck Owens):
‘Act Naturally’, which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001) and Voni Morrison (No.1 for four non-consecutive weeks in 1963)
‘Love’s Gonna Live Here’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for sixteen weeks between October 1963 and February 1964)
‘Crying Time’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) / this track was an album track from 1965
‘I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for five weeks in October / November 1964)
‘Don’t Let Him Know’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) and Don Rich (Friday 15 August 1941 – Wednesday 17 July 1974) (No.33, 1964)
‘I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) and Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for four weeks in February / March 1965)
‘We’re Gonna Let The Good Times Roll’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) / this track was an album track from 1965
‘Under Your Spell Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) and Dusty Rhodes (No.4, 1959)
‘Only You (Can Break My Heart)’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for one week in October 1965)
‘My Heart Skips A Beat’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for two weeks in May 1964)
‘Before You Go’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) and Don Rich (Friday 15 August 1941 – Wednesday 17 July 1974) (No.1 for five weeks in June / July 1965)
‘Together Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for one week in June 1964)
In November 1968, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968), which was produced by Joe Allison (Friday 3 October 1924 – Friday 2 August 2002), and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Long Black Limousine’ (written by Vern Stovall and Bobby George) (No.73, 1968)
Jody Miller’s ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968) also included the following tracks:
‘It’s My Time’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016)
‘Over The Edge’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Urge For Going’ (written by Joni Mitchell)
‘Back In The Race’, which was written by Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) and Vic Dana
‘Wishing Tree’ (written by Nellie Smith and Leona Butrum)
‘I Remember Loving Someone’ (written by Diane Hildebrand)
‘Odds & Ends (Bits & Pieces)’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Don’t You Ever Get Tired (of Hurtin’ Me)’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Right Kind of Fool’, which was written by William (Billy) Robert Mize (Monday 29 April 1929 – Wednesday 1 November 2017)
‘For The Life of Me’, which was written by Joe Allison (Friday 3 October 1924 – Friday 2 August 2002) and Joyce Harris
‘Every Passing Heartbeat’, which was written by Joe Allison (Friday 3 October 1924 – Friday 2 August 2002) and Ezell Bradley
Personnel involved in the recording of Jody Miller’s ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968) included the following:
Jerry Kennedy, Dale Sellers, Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019) and Ray Edenton (Wednesday 3 November 1926 – Wednesday 21 September 2022) (guitar)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Henry Strzelecki (Tuesday 8 August 1939 – Monday 29 December 2014) (bass)
Kenneth Buttrey (drums)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, organ, vibes)
The Nashville A Strings (strings)
Jody Miller’s ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968), which is the favourite of all the albums she recorded, reached No.42 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1968.
In 1968, Jody Miller was once again nominated by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) as ‘Top Female Vocalist’.
At the end of the 1960s, Jody Miller and Monty moved back to Blanchard, Oklahoma to raise their daughter. With her contract at Capitol Records ending, Jody Miller heard ‘Stand By Your Man’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) and loved the production.
Jody Miller then contacted producer, Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), who agreed to meet with her. After a show in Kansas City, Jody Miller flew into Nashville where she and Billy Sherrill met at the airport; he then signed her to Epic Records.
In December 1970, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Look At Mine’ (Epic Records, 1970), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Look At Mine’ (written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent) (No.21, 1970)
‘If You Think I Love You Now (I’ve Just Started)’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) (No.19, 1970)
Jody Miller’s ‘Look At Mine’ (Epic Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:
‘Snowbird’, which was written by Gene MacLellan (Wednesday 2 February 1938 – Thursday 19 January 1995)
‘Leaving On A Jet Plane’, which was written by John Denver (Friday 31 December 1943 – Sunday 12 October 1997)
‘Week & A Day’ (written by Joe Stampley)
‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’ (written by John Fogerty)
‘Safe In These Lovin’ Arms of Mine’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Emily Mitchell
‘Catch Me In The Morning’ (written by Ruby VanNoy and Danny Samson)
‘Stand By Your Man’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998)
‘I’ll Never Love Again’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016)
‘When He Loves Me (He Loves Me All The Way)’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986)
Jody Miller’s ‘Look At Mine’ (Epic Records, 1970) reached No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1970.
In August 1970, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘He’s So Fine’ (Epic Records, 1971), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘He’s So Fine’, which was written by Ronnie Mack (Thursday 11 July 1940 – Tuesday 5 November 1963) (No.5 in July 1971) / this track also reached No.53 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in July 1971, and No.2 on Billboard Easy Listening Chart in July 1971 / Jody Miller was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1970 for this hit single
‘Baby, I’m Yours’, which was written by Van McCoy (Saturday 6 January 1940 – Friday 6 July 1979) (No.5, 1971) / this track also reached No.91 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1971
Jody Miller’s ‘He’s So Fine’ (Epic Records, 1971) also included the following tracks:
‘Good Lovin’ (Makes It Right)’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015)
‘You’ve Got A Friend’ (written by Carole King)
‘Don’t Throw Your Love To The Wind’, which was written by Joe South (Wednesday 28 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 September 2012)
‘Woman Left Lonely’ (written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham)
‘We Had Love All The Way’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘Make Me Your Kind of Woman’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Emily Mitchell
‘Don’t Be Cruel’, which was written by Otis Blackwell (Monday 16 February 1931 – Monday 6 May 2002) and Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977)
‘Let Him Have It’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005)
‘I’m Gonna Write A Song’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jody Miller’s ‘He’s So Fine’ (Epic Records, 1971) included the following:
Jerry Kennedy (guitar, Dobro)
Billy Sanford, Ray Edenton (Wednesday 3 November 1926 – Wednesday 21 September 2022) and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988) (steel guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (bass)
Buddy Harman (Sunday 23 December 1928 – Thursday 21 August 2008) (drums)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Jody Miller’s ‘He’s So Fine’ (Epic Records, 1971) reached No.12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1971.
In 1971, Jody Miller won the Billboard ‘Artist Resurgence’ Award.
In September 1972, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘There’s A Party Goin’ On’ (Epic Records, 1972), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Be My Baby’, which was written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich (Wednesday 23 October 1940 – Wednesday 26 August 2009) and Phil Spector (Tuesday 26 December 1939 – Saturday 16 January 2021) (No.15, 1972)
‘Let’s All Go Down To The River’ (written by Earl Montgomery and Sue Richards) (No.13, 1972) / this track, which featured guest vocals from Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003), was nominated for ‘Duet of The Year’ by the Country Music Association (CMA) in 1972
‘There’s A Party Goin’ On’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) (No.4, 1972)
‘To Know Him Is To Love Him’, which was written by Phil Spector (Tuesday 26 December 1939 – Saturday 16 January 2021) (No.18, 1972)
Jody Miller’s ‘There’s A Party Goin’ On’ (Epic Records, 1972) also included the following tracks:
‘Everything I Own’ (written by David Gates)
‘Manhattan Kansas’ (written by Joe Allen)
‘Delta Dawn’, which was written by Alex Harvey (Monday 10 March 1947 – Saturday 4 April 2020) and Larry Collins
‘Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A.’ (written by Donna Fargo)
‘Someone To Give My Love To’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986)
‘Love’s The Answer’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Emily Mitchell
Jody Miller’s ‘There’s A Party Goin’ On’ (Epic Records, 1972) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1972.
In April 1973, in order to capitalise on her resurgence, Capitol Records released Jody Miller’s ‘The Best of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1973), which included the following tracks:
‘It’s My Time’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016) / this track was an album track from ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968)
‘Long Black Limousine’ (written by Vern Stovall and Bobby George) (No.73, 1968)
‘Back In The Race’, which was written by Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) and Vic Dana / this track was an album track from ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968)
‘Urge For Going’ (written by Joni Mitchell) / this track was an album track from ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968)
‘Johnny One Time’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) / this track was newly recorded for this collection
‘Queen of The House’, with lyrics written by Mary Taylor and music written by Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) (No.5, 1965) / the track also reached No.12 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965, and No.4 hit on the Billboard Easy Listening Chart in 1965
‘Odds & Ends (Bits & Pieces)’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) / this track was an album track from ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968)
‘Over The Edge’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was an album track from ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968)
‘I Remember Loving Someone’ (written by Diane Hildebrand) / this track was an album track from ‘The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1968)
‘He Walks Like A Man’ (written by Diane Hildebrand) / this track was an album track from ‘Queen of The House’ (Capitol Records, 1965)
Jody Miller’s ‘The Best of Jody Miller’ (Capitol Records, 1973) reached No.41 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
In July 1973, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Good News’ (Epic Records, 1973), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Good News’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010) (No.9, 1975)
‘Darling, You Can Always Come Back Home’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.5, 1975)
Jody Miller’s ‘Good News’ (Epic Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:
‘Why Me’, which was written by Kris Kristofferson (Monday 22 June 1936 – Saturday 28 September 2024)
‘Hallelujah, I Love Him So’, which was written by Ray Charles (Tuesday 23 September 1930 – Thursday 10 June 2004)
‘House of The Rising Sun’ (written by Alan Price)
‘In The Name of Love’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986), Earl Montgomery and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010)
‘Nobody Wins’, which was written by Kris Kristofferson (Monday 22 June 1936 – Saturday 28 September 2024)
‘One More Chance’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and George Richardson
‘Woman In Me’ (written by Earl Montgomery and Charlene Montgomery)
‘Soul Song’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010)
‘We’ll Sing Our Song Together (One More Time)’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015)
Jody Miller’s ‘Good News’ (Epic Records, 1973) reached No.18 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
In January 1974, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘House of The Rising Sun’ (Epic Records, 1974), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘House of The Rising Sun’ (written by Alan Price) (No.29, 1973)
‘Reflections’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015), Royce D. Porter (Saturday 1 April 1939 – Saturday 2 June 2018) and Nancy Johnston (No.55, 1974)
‘(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman’, which was written by Gerry Goffin (Saturday 11 February 1939 – Thursday 19 June 2014), Carole King and Jerry Wexler (Wednesday 10 January 1917 – Friday 15 August 2008) (No.46, 1974)
Jody Miller’s ‘House of The Rising Sun’ (Epic Records, 1974) also included the following tracks:
‘Lovin’ Arms’, which was written by Tom Jans (Monday 9 February 1948 – Sunday 25 March 1984)
‘Let Me Be There’ (written by John Rostill)
‘Long Long Time’ (written by Gary White)
‘Let It Shine’, which was written by Linda Hargrove (Thursday 3 February 1949 – Sunday 24 October 2010)
‘All I Want Is You’ (written by Lance Guyness)
‘Lucky Chicago’ (written by Larry Keith and Molly Ann Leikin)
‘Another Night of Love’ (written by Freddy Weller and Spooner Oldham)
‘Smile, Somebody Loves You’ (written by Bobby Austin)
Jody Miller’s ‘House of The Rising Sun’ (Epic Records, 1974) reached No.30 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
In February 1975, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Country Girl’ (Epic Records, 1975), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Country Girl’ (wrritten by Peter Gosling and Alan Hawkshaw) (No.41, 1974)
‘Best In Me’ (written by Dave Hall) (No.78, 1975)
Jody Miller’s ‘Country Girl’ (Epic Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:
‘Love, Love, Love’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and Mark Sherrill
‘House of Love’, which was written by Kenny O’Dell (born Kenneth Gist Jr.) (Wednesday 21 June 1944 – Monday 27 March 2018)
‘In The Name of Love’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986), Earl Montgomery and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010)
‘He Took Me For A Ride’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and Shirley Tackitt
‘I’m Alright ‘Til I See You (Then I Fall Apart)’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010)
‘Papa’s Wagon’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986)
‘I Honestly Love You’ (written by Peter Allen and Jeff Barry)
‘Jimmy’s Roses’, which was written by Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and Jenny Strickland
Jody Miller’s ‘Country Girl’ (Epic Records, 1975) reached No.49 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
In March 1976, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ (Epic Records, 1976), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Don’t Take It Away’, which was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) (No.67, 1975)
‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’, which was written by Gerry Goffin (Saturday 11 February 1939 – Thursday 19 June 2014) and Carole King (No.69, 1975)
‘Ashes of Love’, which was written by Johnnie Wright (Wednesday 13 May 1914 – Tuesday 27 September 2011), Jack Anglin (13 May 1916 – Friday 8 March 1963) and Jim Anglin (23 March 1913 – Wednesday 21 January 1987) (No.48, 1976)
Jody Miller’s ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ (Epic Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘Love, You Never Had It So Good’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010)
‘Thing Called Sadness’ (written by Chuck Howard)
‘Man From Bowling Green’, which was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004)
‘She Calls Me Baby’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015)
‘Take Time To Know Him’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022)
‘Let Your Fingers Do The Talking’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995)
In March 1977, Jody Miller saw the release of ‘Here’s Jody Miller’ (Epic Records, 1977), which was produced by Jerry Crutchfield (Friday 10 August 1934 – Tuesday 11 January 2022), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘When The New Wears Off of Your Love’, which was written by Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014) (No.25, 1976)
‘Spread A Little Love Around’ (written by Richard Leigh) (No.71, 1977)
Jody Miller’s ‘Here’s Jody Miller’ (Epic Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘Roll Me On The Water’ (written by Bonnie Koloc)
‘Try Me Again’ (written by Laying Martine)
‘You Can Be Replaced’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) and Jerry Crutchfield (Friday 10 August 1934 – Tuesday 11 January 2022)
‘Won’t You Stay (Just A Little Bit Longer)’ (written by Otha Young)
‘Maybe I Should’ve Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Sunday 13 October 2024) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981); Gene Watson‘s recording of the track reached No.23 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
‘Montana Cowboy’ (written by Diane Pfeifer)
‘This Is Us’, which was written by Jerry Donald Chesnut (Thursday 7 May 1931 – Saturday 15 December 2018)
‘I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby’, which was written by Robert Autry Inman (Sunday 6 January 1929 – Tuesday 6 September 1988)
Between 1977 and 1979, Jody Miller saw the release of a number of non-album singles, which included the following:
‘Another Lonely Night’ (No.76, 1977)
‘Soft Lights & Slow, Sexy Music’ (written by L. Dresser) (No.97, 1978)
‘(I Wanna) Love My Life Away’, which was written by Gene Pitney (Monday 17 February 1941 – Wednesday 5 April 2006) (No.67, 1978)
‘Kiss Away’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) (No.65, 1978)
‘Lay A Little Lovin’ On Me’ (written by Robin McNamara, Jeff Barry and Jim Cretecos) (No.97, 1979)
In the 1970s, Jody Miller spent many years on the road, as a fixture at rodeos and fairs, along with multiple engagements in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno, appearing with artists, including Roy Linwood Clark (Saturday 15 April 1933 – Thursday 15 November 2018), Eddy Arnold (Wednesday 15 May 1918 – Thursday 8 May 2008) and Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), and comedians Bob Newhart and Donald Jay Rickles (Saturday 8 May 1926 – Thursday 6 April 2017).
Jody Miller was a favourite on television as well, with nine appearances on ‘Hee Haw’, as well as appearances on ‘Pop! Goes The Country’ and ‘Nashville On The Road’.
In the early 1970s, Jody Miller performed with Bob Hope (Friday 29 May 1903 – Sunday 27 July 2003) for troops in Alaska.
Jody Miller was one of the few Billboard charting artists in the 1970s to tour and record without residing in a major music mecca such as Los Angeles, New York City or Nashville. Instead, Jody Miller commuted from Oklahoma to make her appearances and recordings.
By the early 1980s, Jody Miller decided to take a break from the business to enjoy watching her daughter, Robin, play high school basketball and to help her husband, Monty, run his thriving quarter horse breeding and training business.
In the late 1980s, Jody Miller decided to return to the studio to record an independently produced patriotic album, ‘My Country’, which captured the attention of then-presidential candidate VP George H.W. Bush, who invited Jody Miller to sing at his campaign stops.
Jody Miller eventually performed for George H.W. Bush at his White House Inaugural Ball.
In the late 1980s, Jody Miller also recorded a duet album with her daughter, Robin Brooks; the album was ‘Real Good Feelin’. Jody Miller and Robin Brooks appeared on ‘Nashville Now’, which was hosted by Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 – Saturday 15 January 2022).
In 1993, Jody Miller re-dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and began focusing on Gospel music, resulting in the release of a half dozen gospel albums, including ‘I’ll Praise The Lamb’ (which was produced by Dove Award winner, Phil Cross) in 1997, ‘Higher’ (Compendia Records, 1999) in 1999, and ‘Bye Bye Blues’ in 2002.
Jody Miller received several Gospel music honours, including ‘The Golden Cross Award’ and ‘Entertainer of The Year’ from the Country Gospel Music Guild in 1999.
In 1997, Jody Miller was inducted into The International Country Music Gospel Association Hall of Fame.
In 1998, Jody Miller was inducted into The Country Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.
In 2007 and 2008, Jody Miller joined ‘The Grand Ladies of Country Show’ in Branson, Missouri, at The God & Country Theatre, appearing with fellow legends Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 – Sunday 25 September 2016), Wanda Jackson, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, Mary Lou Turner, Ava Barber and Leona Williams.
Into the 21st century, Jody Miller continued to record on collaborative projects, including a 2002 duet with German country artist, Tom Astor, and as a guest vocalist in 2011 with Western Swing band Tulsa Playboys.
In 2000, Renaissance Records released ‘The Jody Miller Anthology’ (Renaissance Records, 2000), a compilation album, which included hit songs from both Capitol Records and Epic Records.
In 2012, Real Gone Records released ‘Jody Miller: Complete Epic Hits’ (Real Gone Records, 2012).
In July 2013, at her show at Lan-Tex Opry in Llano, Texas Jody Miller was honoured by The Heart of Texas Country Music Association for fifty years in the music business, with emcee Tracy Pitcox presenting her with an award honouring her longevity in the music business.
In March 2014, Sony Music released ‘Complete Epic Hits’ in MP3 format for download.
On Saturday 1 August 2015, Jody Miller was honoured by her hometown of Blanchard, Oklahoma as the mayor declared ‘Jody Miller Day’.
Jody Miller attended a ceremony at which a highway sign reading ‘Welcome to Blanchard, Home of Grammy Winner Jody Miller’ was unveiled.
Also, Van Buren Avenue, the street where Jody Miller lived as a child, was dedicated as ‘Jody Miller Avenue’ in her honour.
In 2016, ‘Jody Miller Anthology’ was released as an MP3 album.
In 2016, Governor Mary Fallin issued a proclamation declaring 29 July 2016, as ‘Jody Miller Day’ in the Great State of Oklahoma. On that same date, Jody Miller and her family were present at a special homecoming event, ‘The Jody Miller Day Show’, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Blanchard, to celebrate Jody Miller Day and to say ‘thank you’ to all of Jody’s friends and supporters.
Jody Miller continued to perform her hit singles, and gospel favourites, as both a solo artist at venues around the United States, and as part of Three Generations, a group consisting of Jody, daughter Robin Brooks-Sullivan and grandson Montana Sullivan.
Jody Miller’s warm and engaging spirit made her a fan favourite where ever she went. Jody Miller also appeared at churches, colleges and other organizations as an inspirational speaker.
Jody Miller Biography
© 2016 Jennifer McMullen
On Thursday 27 October 2016, Universal Music Group announced that they would release, on Friday 18 November 2016, ‘The Best of Jody Miller’ (Universal Music Group, 2016), an MP3 album of Jody Miller’s 1960s era Capitol Records recordings.
Jody Miller’s ‘The Best of Jody Miller’ (Universal Music Group, 2016), an MP3 album of Jody Miller’s 1960s era Capitol Records recordings, included the following tracks:
‘He Walks Like A Man’ (written by Diane Hildebrand) / this track reached No.66 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1964, and No.8 on the Australian Kent Music Report Chart in 1964
‘They Call My Guy A Tiger’ (written by Diane Hildebrand and Steve Stone) / this track reached No.53 on the Australian Kent Music Report Chart in 1964
‘The Fever’
‘In My Room’ (written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher) / this track was an album track from 1965
‘Be My Man’
‘Queen of The House’, with lyrics written by Mary Taylor and music written by Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) / this track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1965, No.12 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965, and No.4 on the Billboard Easy Listening Chart in 1965
‘Silver Threads & Golden Needles’, which was written by Jack Rhodes (1908 – 1968) and Dick Reynolds / this track reached No.54 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965
‘Home of The Brave’, which was written by Cynthia Weil (Friday 18 October 1940 – Thursday 1 June 2023) and Barry Mann / this track reached No.25 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965, No.5 on the Canadian RPM Chart in 1965, and No.29 on the Australian Kent Music Report Chart in 1965
‘Magic Town’, which was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (Friday 18 October 1940 – Thursday 1 June 2023) / this track reached No.125 on the Billboard Hot 200 pop music singles chart in 1965
‘We’re Gonna Let The Good Times Roll’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) / this was an album track from 1966
‘Things’, which was written by Bobby Darin (Thursday 14 May 1936 – Thursday 20 December 1973)
‘If You were A Carpenter’, which was written by Tim Hardin (Tuesday 23 December 1941 – Monday 29 December 1980)
‘Crazy’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Shutters & Boards’, which was written by Audie Leon Murphy (Saturday 20 June 1925 – Friday 28 May 1971) and Scott Turner (Sunday 23 August 1931 – Monday 9 February 2009)
‘To Sir, With Love’ (lyrics written by Don Black and music written by Mark London)
‘Long Black Limousine’ (written by Vern Stovall and Bobby George) / this track reached No.73 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1968
(Saturday 29 November 1941 – Thursday 6 October 2022)
Revered country music icon, Jody Miller, passed away on Thursday 6 October 2022 at her home in Blanchard, Oklahoma from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Jody Miller was 80 years old.
According to Jody Miller’s longtime representative, Jennifer Anne McMullen, ‘Jody Miller’s talent cannot be overstated. She had this innate, God-given ability to interpret and to communicate with the most beautiful tones and inflection. She made it look and sound so easy, that it sometimes takes a moment to realise the greatness of what you are hearing. But she was just as authentic and exceptional in her own life as she was on stage and on record’
Jody Miller was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 52 years, Monty Troy Brooks; and sisters, Barbara Thompson, Shirley Hann, and Patsy Hall.
Jody Miller was survived by her loving daughter, Robin Jennette Brooks and husband Shawn Sullivan; grandson, Montana James Sullivan; granddaughter, Layla Joy Sullivan; sisters, Carol Cooper and Vivian Cole; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Jody Miller’s funeral service was held at 2:00pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Blanchard, Oklahoma.
• Visit Jody Miller’s official site at jodymillermusic.com
• Like Jody Miller on Facebook