2003 APRIL 7 #097
Phoebe Phestoon (Mrs. Miller) - Slumber Boat
Here is a super-rarity for all fans of Mrs. Miller - her first known recording from 1962. "Slumber Boat Song" is taken from a rare Gary Owens LP, called ""Song Festoons," which collected various skits from his KMPC radio show.
Mrs. Miller was brought to Owens' attention by Fred Bock, the musical director for Hollywood Presbyterian Church, where he served for 18 years. Miller had used Bock's help in recording some lullabies that she had pressed on to vinyl, and gave to various children's orphanages. "Slumber Boat Song" captures Mrs. Miller about 3 years prior to her success as a Capitol Records artist, and she sounds a bit more formal here.
Bock was also instrumental in bringing Miller to Capitol Records, and in 1965 Gary Owens wrote the liner notes to her first album "Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits." The rest, as they say, is history.
So, enjoy the dulcet tones of Mrs. Elva Miller, as she sings a tender ballad which will soothe away the cares of the day.
Memo to all Miller fans and record company execs:
Otis Fodder and I have compiled an 80-minute CD of unreleased Mrs. Miller material and are looking for a label to release it! At this time, it is NOT for sale or trade to collectors, but we hope to make it legitimately available in the near future. If interested, please contact me at, dana@danacountryman.com. The world thanks you.
- Dana Countryman, http://www.danacountryman.com
TT-2:53 / 4MB / 192kbps 44.1khz
from the LP, "Song Festoons" (1962)
(Images courtesy of Dana Countryman)