The Mills Brothers Biography

A smooth vocal quartet, the Mills Brothers were most popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. The original group included four brothers: Donald, Harry, Herbert, and John Jr. Their father, John Sr., joined the group after John Jr.’s death in 1936. Among their hit tunes were “Up a Lazy River,” “Paper Doll,” and “Bye Bye Blackbird.” The group continued despite the deaths of various brothers, adding others to the group; the last surviving brother, Donald, continued to perform with his son John until his own death in 1999. John has since continued touring in the family name.