Howard Miller Show

The Howard Miller Show was a popular radio program that aired in the 1950s and early 1960s, featuring the charismatic disc jockey Howard Miller. As one of the first prominent “disc jockeys” in the industry, Miller’s engaging personality and music selections made him a household name, particularly in his home city of Chicago.

The show began as Club 60 in 1954, before being renamed The Howard Miller Show in 1957. It was a 30-minute afternoon variety program that aired on CBS radio, with Miller serving as the host and emcee. Miller would typically open the show with a lively trumpet solo and then greet his audience, often discussing the local weather or other topical matters. He would then introduce a guest for the day, usually a popular recording artist, and feature one or more of their songs.

The Stars

Over the course of its run, The Howard Miller Show featured an impressive array of musical guests, including the likes of Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, Julie London, the Andrews Sisters, Liberace, Tony Martin, and many others.

Miller would engage these stars in casual, conversational interviews, allowing listeners to get a glimpse into their personal lives and creative processes. In addition to musicians, the show also occasionally welcomed actors, comedians, and other personalities of the era.

Key Dates

• The Howard Miller Show debuted on September 23, 1957 and ran for one season, concluding in 1958.
• Prior to this, the program was known as Club 60 and had been airing since 1954. During its run, the show underwent a name change but maintained its format and Miller’s role as the host.

Other Information

As a prominent figure in the Chicago radio landscape, Howard Miller was known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial opinions. In 1968, he made remarks on-air that were interpreted as being critical of the civil rights movement, leading to his dismissal from WIND radio. This incident, known as the “payola scandal,” was a significant moment in Miller’s career and highlighted the changing social and political climate of the era.

Despite this setback, Miller continued to be a influential voice in the industry, pioneering the conservative talk radio format that would later be championed by hosts like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. He remained active in radio and television until his death in 1994 from complications related to colon cancer.

The Howard Miller Show was a quintessential example of the “drive-time radio” format, with Miller’s engaging personality and music selections captivating audiences during their daily commutes.

The program’s enduring popularity and Miller’s lasting impact on the radio industry cement its place as a beloved and significant part of old-time radio history.