Ernie Mae Miller: A Jazz Icon Remembered
Ernie Mae Miller, a legendary jazz musician hailing from Austin, Texas, left an indelible mark on the music scene with her soulful melodies and captivating performances. Born in 1927, Miller’s musical journey began at a tender age of 5 when she displayed a remarkable talent for playing the piano by ear, inspired by her grandmother’s cherished records. It was this early exposure to music that ignited a passion within her and set the stage for a remarkable career filled with triumphs and accolades.
A Musical Prodigy Emerges
Growing up in the vibrant city of Austin, Ernie Mae Miller was destined for greatness. As the granddaughter of the esteemed educator LC Anderson, who left an indelible mark on the local community, she was surrounded by a rich legacy of excellence and dedication to education. Anderson High School, later renamed Eastside Early College High School, became a cornerstone of African American education in Austin, reflecting the commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation.
It was in high school that Ernie’s musical talents truly blossomed, as she transitioned from playing the piano to mastering the saxophone. Influenced by jazz luminaries such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, who graced the stages of Austin during her formative years, Ernie honed her craft and carved out a unique musical identity that would captivate audiences far and wide.
The Journey to Stardom
After graduating high school at the tender age of 14, Ernie Mae Miller embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape her musical legacy for years to come. Joining the all-female jazz band, the Prairie View Co-Eds, at Prairie View A&M University, Ernie showcased her prowess on the baritone saxophone and quickly became a standout member of the ensemble. As the band’s popularity soared beyond campus borders, Ernie found herself traveling across the country, sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Vaughn Monroe, Anita O’Day, and Billie Holiday.
Her performances at army camps and forts throughout the United States solidified her reputation as a versatile and gifted musician, capable of captivating audiences with her soulful melodies and infectious energy. Upon returning to Austin, Ernie embarked on a solo career that would cement her status as a jazz icon in the local music scene. From intimate clubs like the Flamingo Lounge and Jade Room to iconic venues like the Driskill Hotel and the New Orleans Club, Ernie’s performances left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of hearing her play.
A Legacy Remembered
As Ernie Mae Miller’s career reached its peak, her influence extended far beyond the confines of Austin, attracting admirers from all walks of life. Icons like Janis Joplin, who also called Austin home, paid homage to Ernie by covering her song “Little Girl Blue,” a testament to the enduring impact of her music on future generations of artists. In 2013, three years after her passing at the age of 83, Ernie Mae Miller was posthumously inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to her unparalleled contributions to the jazz genre.
Ernie Mae Miller’s legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of music lovers around the world, a testament to the enduring power of her music and the timeless allure of jazz. As we celebrate her life and career, let us remember the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the world of music.
