Alan Mills (music)


Alan Mills, CM, was a Canadian folksinger, writer, and actor. He was best known for popularizing Canadian folk music, and for his original song, I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. He appeared on several radio and television programs and in movies.

Career

As a young man, Mills worked as a newspaperman. He left this work in about 1940 and took a job in radio. He hosted a show for CBC radio on which he played Canadian folk music.
Mills began singing and recording traditional music from Canada, accompanying himself on guitar. His first album, Let's Sing a Little, was released by RCA Victor. He composed the classic folk song I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly which was later recorded by Burl Ives, Peter Paul and Mary and many others. He published a book, The Alan Mills Book of Folk Songs and Ballads, in 1949. His recordings of authentic traditional music were reviewed by Oscar Brand in the Saturday Review of Music, and included in a number of folk music compilation albums.
Mills was signed to take part in tour of the United States in 1960, and that year performed at the Newport Folk Festival.
He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1974 for his contributions to Canadian folklore. Mills has also released several albums on Folkways Records of Canadian and French folk songs.

Discography

Release DateAlbum TitleLabel
1975Soirée Québecoise du temps des fêtesFolkways Records
1962Jewish Folk Songs Folkways Records
1961Alan Mills and Jean Carignan: Songs, Fiddle Tunes and a Folk-Tale from CanadaFolkways Records
1961Chantons en Francais, Vol. 2Folkways Records
1961Chantons en Francais, Vol. 1Folkways Records
1960Canada's Story in SongFolkways Records
1959Songs of the Maritimes: Lumberman Songs and Songs of the SeaFolkways Records
1958We'll Rant and We'll Roar: Songs of NewfoundlandFolkways Records
1957French Folk Songs for Children in EnglishFolkways Records
1957Christmas Songs from Many LandsFolkways Records
1957Songs of the Sea: Sung by Alan Mills and the Four ShipmatesFolkways Records
1956Animals, Vol. 1Folkways Records
1956Chansons d'AcadieFolkways Records
1956More Animals, Vol. 2Folkways Records
1956O' Canada: A History in SongFolkways Records
1955Songs of French Canada Folkways Records
1954More Songs to Grow OnFolkways Records
1953Folk Songs of NewfoundlandFolkways Records
1953French Folk Songs for ChildrenFolkways Records
1952Folk Songs of French CanadaFolkways Records

n.d.
"Chansons a Boire'