Frankie Miller has died at the age of 95. News Channel 5 reported the story.
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One of country music's oldest performers, the "Blackland Farmer" artist last performed with Willie Nelson several years ago. He died in his home on Saturday, Aug. 29, of natural causes, according to Heart of Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox.
"Frankie had just completed work and released his biography, The Blackland Farmer: Life Among Country Music Legends, written by Greg Wilson," Pitcox added. "He remained active in the industry and continued to enjoy making music into his 90s."
Frankie Miller Was Also a Veteran
Miller was born in Victoria, Texas, on Dec. 17, 1930. He started his first band as a teenager, but began to make a name for himself by performing on local radio stations. This led to a contract with Gilt Edge Records.
But just as his career was getting underway in 1951, he went to serve in the Korean War. He earned the Bronze Star and reached the rank of sergeant. After returning home, Miller resumed his career and signed with Columbia.
Miller Came Home and Recorded His Signature Hit
While songs like "Hey Where Ya Goin?" and "It's No Big Thing" got Miller some attention, he had his breakthrough in 1959. Inspired by his uncle, "Blackland Farmer" went all the way to the Top 5 on the country music charts that year. Two years later, it made a dent on the pop charts.
Miller was named the "Most Promising Country Artist" by Cashbox Magazine in 1960. He performed at the Grand Ole Opry and toured with legends like Johnny Cash, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, Buck Owens, Lefty Frizzell, and Willie Nelson.
Jessie Colter, Dwight Yoakam, and Pat Boone would record Miller's songs, and he never stopped working. He traveled the world into his 80s and continued releasing music. His last album, A Friend Remembered: My Tribute To George Jones, came out on Heart of Texas Records in 2020.
Miller is survived by his two daughters, Sandi Wilson and Lori Chaney. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
