Country Music Legend Jody Miller Passes Away At 80

Grammy award-winning recording artist Jody Miller passed away this morning in Blanchard, Oklahoma from complications related to Parkinson's Disease. She was 80 years old.  

According to Miller's longtime representative Jennifer McMullen, "Jody Miller's talent cannot be overstated. She had this innate, God-given ability to interpret and communicate with the most beautiful tones and inflection. She made it look and sound so easy that it sometimes takes a moment to realize the greatness of what you are hearing. But she was just as authentic and exceptional in her own life as she was on stage and on record." 

Best known for her 1965 Grammy-winning hit "Queen of the House," Miller became a country star overnight when the single crossed over from the pop to country charts, cementing her status as a pioneering cross-over artist whose radio-friendly versatility paved the way for the likes of fellow artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray, and Olivia Newton-John. In 1966, Miller went on to win the Grammy award for the song, becoming the second woman to pick up the trophy for "Best Country Performance-Female." 

Throughout the '60s, Miller recorded for Capitol Records, releasing scores of singles such as the hit teen pop anthem "Home of the Brave", as well as the richly expressive Hot Country charter and fan favorite "Long Black Limousine," while making multiple appearances on teen shows such as Shindig and American Bandstand.

In the '70s, Miller began recording for Epic Records in Nashville, working with Billy Sherrill as one of his premiere Countrypolitan artists, notching several hits, including the Top 5 singles "Baby I'm Yours," There's a Party Goin' On," "Darling, You Can Always Come Back Home," and the Grammy-nominated cross-over hit "He's So Fine." With her beauty and charisma, Miller became a frequent guest on shows such as Hee Haw and Pop! Goes the Country.

In the early '80s, Miller retired from touring to spend time at home with her daughter Robin and husband Monty Brooks, helping to manage his thriving quarter horse breeding and training business at their farm in Blanchard, Oklahoma. In the early '90s, Miller rededicated her life to Christ as a born-again Christian and began a gospel music ministry, sharing her testimony through story and song, recording half a dozen gospel albums, culminating in her induction into the International Country Music Hall of Fame 

In the 90s, Miller later emerged as a Christian music artist, releasing several albums in that genre. In 1999, the Country Gospel Music Association inducted Miller into its Hall of Fame, along with Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Andy Griffith, David L. Cook and Lulu Roman. Jody and her daughter Robin recorded and toured together for a period of time. 

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