Eddie Miller (jazz saxophonist)

Eddie Miller (June 23, 1911 – April 1, 1991) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer, best known for his association with the Bob Crosby Orchestra.

Born Edwin Mueller in Gretna, Louisiana, Miller began his professional music career in the late 1920s, playing with various local bands and developing his distinctive sound. He joined Ben Pollack's orchestra in 1930, which subsequently became the Bob Crosby Orchestra in 1935.

Miller was a featured soloist and arranger for the Crosby band, contributing significantly to its popularity and musical identity. His tenor saxophone solos were characterized by a smooth, lyrical style, influenced by players like Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young but distinctly his own. He composed and arranged several tunes for the orchestra, including the popular instrumental "Slow Mood."

During his tenure with the Crosby Orchestra (1935-1942), Miller recorded extensively and gained national recognition. After leaving the Crosby band, he worked as a freelance musician in Los Angeles, playing with various groups and in studio orchestras. He continued to record and perform throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, often revisiting his earlier repertoire.

Eddie Miller is remembered as a significant figure in the swing era and a respected soloist and composer. His contributions to the Bob Crosby Orchestra helped define the sound of that popular ensemble, and his lyrical tenor saxophone playing remains admired by jazz enthusiasts.