Mitch Miller (1911-2010) was a record producer, conductor, and singer who headed Columbia Records recording division in the 1950s, and had a hit under his own name with "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Miller is best known for a series of "Sing-along" albums, begun in 1958, with old standards and the words printed in the sleeves so listeners could sing along.

Following successful sales, the albums led to the TV series Sing Along with Mitch, which ran from 1961-1966, with Miller as the cheerful host and choral conductor, waving his baton. Regulars included Leslie Uggams and, as a member of "The Sing Along Gang" and then a periodic soloist, Bob McGrath.

References

• On the back jacket of the 1977 Sesame Street album Big Bird Leads the Band, conductor Mitch Mallard is quoted as saying "Brings new meaning to 'The Alphabet Song.' It gave me goosebumps."