Mills Blue Rhythm Band - Definition and Overview

The Mills Blue Rhythm band was an American big band of the 1930s. Founded by drummer Willie Lynch in 1930 as the Blue Rhythm Band, it became first the Coconut Grove orchestra and the Mills Blue Rhythm Band when Wilbur Mills became its manager in 1931. Lynch left later in 1931, and Baron Lee took over as leader. Lucky Millinder became leader in 1934.

The band recorded frequently and had hit records, including "Truckin'" and "Ride, Red, Ride," but never became one of the more popular bands of the day. Among its more notable members were:

• Red Allen, trumpet
• Benny Bailey, clarinet
• Harry "Sweets" Edison, trumpet
• Joe Garland, tenor
• Edgar Hayes, piano
• J. C. Higginbotham, trombone
• Charlie Holmes, alto
• Billy Kyle, piano
• Tab Smith, alto
• O'Neil Spencer, drums

The group disbanded in 1938. Millinder then formed his own band.