Bernard Lawrence Milton (January 30, 1942 – May 19, 2002) better known as "Bernie", was a soul and rhythm & blues singer from Ithaca, New York. He was a regional musician who performed in a variety of acts throughout Central New York from the 1950s through the early 2000s.
Bernie Milton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bernard Lawrence Milton |
| Born | January 30, 1942 Ithaca, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 19, 2002 (aged 60) Ithaca, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, R&B, Pop |
| Instrument | Vocalist |
| Years active | 1955–2002 |
| Labels | Josie, Jove, ASCOT, Chaton Records, Sphynx |
| Formerly of | The Silvertones, Bernie & the Blazers, Little Bernie & the Cavaliers, Bernie Milton & the Soul Patrol, The Bernie Milton Band, The Bernie Milton Experience |
Early life
editBernie was born in Ithaca, New York on January 30, 1942, the second of Curtis and Agnes (Johnson) Milton's three sons.[1] His mother Agnes was a classically trained pianist and attended the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, which later became Ithaca College.[2]
Performing
editFrom a young age, Bernie performed alongside his mother at church. At the age of eleven, he performed in a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, singing one of Elvis Presley's hits, "I Got a Woman".[3] Throughout the 1950s, Milton performed throughout the Ithaca-area as a frequent act for fraternity and alumni festivities at Cornell University, local community centers, clubs and concert halls.[4][2] He was often in lineups alongside Bobby Comstock, another hometown musician.[5] He signed his first record deal in 1960 and achieved more regional popularity with his single "The Waddle" in 1962.[6][7][8] His other signature single "60/40" was penned in 1985.[3]
Radio
editIn 1983, Milton became an on-air radio disc jockey at Ithaca College's radio station, local 91.7 WICB, hosting a Friday morning show called "Looking Back", playing soul, rhythm & blues and Motown music. Shortly after Bernie's passing in 2002, his nephew, Ricky Milton assumed the host role and remains in the position currently.[9]
Legacy
editIn 2003, the main pavilion on The Commons in downtown Ithaca was named the Bernie Milton pavilion in his honor.[10] It has been the site for live music performances dating back to the 1970s, including Milton's own bands throughout his career. In 2015, the City of Ithaca completed a renovation of the Commons which included the construction of new pavilion at its northern entrance at the intersection of Seneca and Tioga Streets.[11] The pavilion was dedicated in honor of Bernie's musical legacy in the weeks following the Commons re-opening celebration with ceremony including friends, former bandmates and family members performing some of his old hits.[12]
Personal life
editMilton had eight children and at the time of his passing was married to his wife of 25 years, the late Renee (Steele) Milton. Milton died suddenly of a heart attack on May 19, 2002, in his hometown of Ithaca, New York.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Catalano, Jim (2002-05-21). "Ithaca loses much-loved soul singer". The Ithaca Journal. pp. 1, 4. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
- ^ a b Haffey, Kay (1977-01-21). "Bernie Milton Band To Rock Carnival". Pottsville Republican. p. 22. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
- ^ a b Landesman, Stephen (2000-03-28). "Ithaca's king of soul still has chops". The Ithaca Journal. p. 2. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
- ^ Dougherty, James (1964-05-14). "Many Young Rock and Roll Type Bands Find Ithaca a Happy Stomping Ground". The Ithaca Journal. p. 13. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
- ^ Pickowicz, Natasha Li (2020-01-13). "Bobby Comstock: It's still Rock 'n roll to me". Ithaca Times. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ "Remembering Bernie Milton - The Cornell Daily Sun". cornellsun.com. 2004-02-13. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ "Reviews of New Singles". Billboard Magazine. 74 (3). June 9, 1962.
- ^ "Record Review". Cash Box. May 26, 1962. p. 14.
- ^ Butler, Matt (2017-09-05). "Family Tradition: Ricky Milton carries the family legacy over the airwaves". Ithaca Times. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ "Bernie Milton Pavilion:Honors great Ithaca musician". The Ithaca Journal. 2003-10-04. p. 12. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
- ^ Reynolds, Nick. "Ithaca Commons is officially back". The Ithaca Journal. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ Catalano, Jim. "Soundoff: New Milton Pavilion to be dedicated". The Ithaca Journal. Retrieved 2024-01-01.