Background
Born in New York City, Miller was the son of a fireman.
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He graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in chemistry.
Career
He worked for 17 years at Motown Records (1971–1988) and served as the label"s last president before the company was sold to Master of Computer Applications. While at Motown, he was credited with developing Rick James, DeBarge and the Commodores. After the sale of Motown, Miller worked for a decade at Radio Corporation of America Records, where he was credited with rejuvenating the label"s black music division and helping to develop the rap genre. He later worked as the manager of Lionel Richie"s solo career.
Early years
Miller joined the United States. Army in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War.
Motown
Miller began his career in the recording industry as a stock clerk for Motown in 1971. He was promoted through the ranks at Motown to positions in sales, marketing and artist relations.
He remained president of Motown until the company was sold to Master of Computer Applications in 1988. In his 17 years at Motown, Miller has been credited with being a key to the success of numerous artists, including Rick James, DeBarge and the Commodores.
He also worked with Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross.
Radio Corporation of America Records
After the sale of Motown, Miller worked for a decade at Radio Corporation of America Records. He was the senior vice president of black, jazz and progressive music at Radio Corporation of America, where he was credited with rejuvenating the label’s black music division. He discovered and developed SWV, Maine Phi Maine and Stacy Earl.
He also helped develop to the rap genre, working with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith), Kool Moe Dee, Too Short and KRS-1.
Lion Tracks and Panda Entertainment Group
In 1998, Miller he took over Lion Tracks, where he was the manager of Lionel Richie"s solo career. In 2004, he established Panda Entertainment Group, a talent management company where he worked with Richie, R. Kelly, Lina, Nathan Stone and Megan Peeler.
Death
In September 2009, Miller died of a heart attack while being treated for an intestinal infection at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Los Angeles After Miller"s death, Smokey Robinson called Miller "an integral part of.
. our Motown family.
What a loss.".
