April 30, 2026.
A friend of mine, Bill Millar, died this morning. Bill was a fan. Blues, R&B, Soul, Rockabilly, and Rock 'n' Roll. He liked Country music more selectively, latching onto cult artists like Eddie Noack years before most of us cottoned onto him.
Before I met Bill, he'd compiled and annotated rockabilly compilations for MCA, MGM, Imperial, and Mercury (all four labels now parts of Universal Music), Hickory/DJM, and probably some others I can't remember. He'd also done compilations or liner notes or written articles about many R&B artists, including his all-time favorite, Screamin' Jay Hawkins. So when we wanted to do a label-by-label rockabilly series and a double CD of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, there was only person to call. He wrote eruditely and informatively, but above all entertainingly. We became friends and talked for hours on the phone. I think Bill appreciated that I had the same fanatical commitment to getting the tiniest details right. And unlike other fans who would guard their information or photos as if they were state secrets, Bill was always ready to share what he knew and what he had.
I will miss you, Bill.

Colin Escott
 

I remember Bill Millar when I met him with other British collectors at the Italian Cafe on Cambrige Circle in Londons West End. Bill informed us the new finds that had come up in the American tape vaults. He was the one who had given access to these great musical Rockabilly treasures.
We all listed to his comments (that was Bob Jones, Ray Topping, Big Al Turner, Rob Finnis, John Beecher and myself among others)
Now that knowledge is gone forever. So Long Bill.

Richard Weize, and more bears records and founder of Bear Family Records