Sidney Miller Jr., a Black Radio and music industry giant has passed away. Miller founded and ran BRE (Black Radio Exclusive) magazine for more than 40 years which also culminated in an annual conference and other events. He was 89. Specific details as to the cause of death are still sketchy at the time of this report.
In establishing one of the first black music industry trades, Sidney Miller, Jr. earned his place as a pioneer in Black Music. His publication, Black Radio Exclusive; was founded on a dream, developed with perseverance, and brought to its leadership pinnacle through excellence. Under Miller’s leadership, BRE has contributed immensely to furthering the cause and importance of Black radio; promoting the significant impact that Black music artists and Black music have had in the world of contemporary music.
Sidney Miller
Miller had been a pioneer in marketing concepts before the start-up of BRE. A graduate of FAMU, Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, the Pensacola native had become familiar with the club circuit along the East Coast while still in college. A musician himself, a mean trumpeter, he was a pre-med major but had to make a living. The Adderley brothers, Cannonball and Nat were among his college peers, and he spent most of his weekends booking them and others he put together in bands up and down the coast.
Continuing to combine his artistry with good business sense; he entered the military as an officer where he continued his sideline business of playing and booking bands and entertainment for the Army.
In 1976, Miller launched BRE after sacrificing his house, car, and investing his savings into the publication.
Through BRE Magazine, it expanded into the annual BRE conference where superstars like; Prince, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Sade, L.L. Cool J, MC Hammer, and more have all performed.
Throughout his career, Miller served on the board of directors for The Living Legends Foundation, Nara’s MusiCares Foundation; The Evander Holyfield Foundation, The National Black Programmers Coalition, The New Orleans Music Commission, The Atlanta Music Commission, and The Washington, DC Music Commission.
Miller’s list of accolades includes an NAACP Image Award and a 2019 Living Legends A. D. Washington Chairman’s Award.