It is in seasons like this, being unable to fully comprehend the plan of God, that we, the constituents of the International Music Department of the Church Of God In Christ bow our heads in humble submission to the will of God Almighty, in as much as it has pleased Him to call our most beloved IMD Trailblazer and pioneering gospel artist, DR. DOUGLAS L. MILLER, from labor to reward, where he will join that great cloud of witnesses that have gone on before.
Miller was a Grammy-nominated gospel artist noted for his rich baritone. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on New Year's Eve 1949, the musician grew up performing in church choirs. He studied with influential choir director/arranger/singer/songwriter Mattie Moss Clark while attending the University of Akron, where he further developed his finessed baritone vocals. Akron remained his base for most of his career.
Though he began recording in 1979, Miller’s national fame came after he joined Atlanta International Records (AIR), which released "I Still Love the Name Jesus" in 1984. The album rose to No. 5 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The follow-up, 1985’s "Unspeakable Joy" (Light Records), hit No. 6, producing two songs that became associated with Miller: the title track and "My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord" which became his signature song. His next release, "Redeeming Love" (back on AIR, 1985), made it to No. 22 on the chart. "Living on the Top" (Word, 1990) teamed Miller with such leading gospel lights as Shirley Caesar, Gwen Morton, the Thomas Whitfield Company, and Michael Fletcher. While Miller’s songs have been anthologized several times, in 2000, AIR released The Best of Douglas Miller: the Early Years to bring together all of his best-known selections on one CD.
In addition to singing and appearing in faith-based musicals, Douglas Miller has been an active member of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ. In recognition of his singing, musicianship, songwriting, and service to the church, the Christian International Bible College awarded Miller an Honorary Doctorate of Christian Music Education in 2014.
President Judith Christie McAllister along with the entire constituency of the IMD, join with the Saints around the world in mourning the loss of this gospel giant. We extend the fullness of our love, prayers, and support to the Miller family and we will continue to keep them lifted; in that, we now share the common bond of a life lived as unto God, DR. DOUGLAS L. MILLER will connect us for the rest of our lives. May God grant strength, peace, and comfort during this most sensitive time.
