Taps Miller
Marion Joseph "Taps" Miller, born on July 22, 1915, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a multifaceted American entertainer known for his talents as a trumpeter, vocalist, and dancer. Miller's career began in the 1930s when he performed in stage revues in New York City, including the notable show "Blackbirds of 1939." During the early 1940s, he served as an emcee at Kelly's Stables and played percussion at Clark Monroe's Uptown House. He also recorded as a singer with Count Basie in 1945.
In 1944, Miller joined the USO as a sideman for Alberta Hunter and returned to collaborate with Basie after World War II. He later joined Mezz Mezzrow's band in 1953, touring Europe and North Africa, and recorded in Belgium with Buck Clayton and Kansas Fields. Miller also performed with Raymond Fonseque in Paris and spent some time living in France. His later life remains largely undocumented.
Miller's legacy includes the song "Taps Miller," composed by Buck Clayton as a tribute to him, which was recorded by the Basie band in 1944. Known for his energetic performances, one of his signature acts was singing "Wham! (Re-bop, Boom-Bam)" while simultaneously playing the trumpet and dancing.
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