From Resurfacing Rockstar Dreams to a Top 1% Podcast: Robert Miller Proves It’s Never Too Late
Kyle J. Russell
Contributor
June 5, 2024
Dreams are evocative of ethereal concepts that are rarely pursued. Mundane responsibilities and 9-to-5 jobs often get in the way of people’s dreams and aspirations. Robert Miller’s dream when he was young was to become a rockstar – a dream that he finally realized later in life.
Today, Robert is the founder and host of the Follow Your Dream Podcast, a top 1% podcast that features famous musicians and other creatives who have successfully followed their dreams. Additionally, Robert is also the founder, leader, and composer for Project Grand Slam, a New York-based band creating an invigorating jazz-rock-Latin fusion, which has released 14 acclaimed albums to date, including a Billboard Number 1.
“Until I was in my twenties, I was certain I would be a rockstar,” Robert shares. “All I wanted to do was music. But just like for so many people, life got in the way. I got married, had a child, and couldn’t make a living with music. I wound up giving up my dream entirely for 15 years.”
Chords and rhythmic melodies were infused throughout Robert’s childhood. With his father being an amateur trumpet player, Robert was sent to take piano lessons at six. Back then, Robert didn’t appreciate the full value of learning an instrument. “A year later, I told them I wanted to stop piano lessons. They agreed on one condition—I was to start learning another instrument,” he recollects.
Inspired by his father’s passion, Robert started learning the trumpet. “I didn’t enjoy it any more than piano. But my mother always said, ‘If you practice 20 minutes a day now, one day, you will thank me.’ Needless to say, as an adult who knew how to express myself through the art of music, I realized she was right.”
Beatlemania upended the world order, and Robert followed the craze. It was at that moment that his one true dream was born—living the rock star life. Robert quickly taught himself bass and guitar and embarked on an unforgettable 1960s rock n’ roll journey. With a teenage band and a mind full of ideas, his future had a clear direction.
At age 20, in what he describes as a ‘moment of weakness,’ one of Robert’s friends suggested the idea of law school. “When he mentioned studying law, I thought, ‘Why would I ever want to do that?’” Robert adds. But the picture Robert’s friend painted—being a lawyer by day, a musician at night, and making a living—simply wouldn’t fade away. “As a 20-year-old, I thought about it for less than a second and went for it. I entered law school. People say that the law is a jealous mistress. It will take all your time, leaving you with nothing more to give to other passions. That’s what happened to me. I stopped playing for 15 years as life got in the way,” he adds.
‘Unfulfilled musician turned lawyer’ certainly wasn’t the character arc Robert followed. For his accomplishments in law and investments, Robert was renowned by some of the largest US companies and publications, scoring multiple front-page covers. Though at the zenith of commercial success, dreams of music lingered over the businessman.
The fire kept burning inside him, finally taking control when Robert turned 40. He started practicing again, recorded an album, put a band together playing clubs and concerts, and kept the passion alive while still doing law full-time. It took another 20 years for Robert to release his full potential and give himself wholly to the dream. “On my 60th birthday, I said, ‘This is it. It’s either now or never.’ I didn’t want to look back on my life and regret that I never tried. That was my goal. It was never to achieve great success or fame but to give my dream a shot,” he says.
For Robert, that simple decision to listen to his heart metamorphosed into a beautiful and rewarding journey. Since 2007, Robert has been leading Project Grand Slam (PGS), an innovative group merging rock, jazz, and Latin tunes. PGS has played festivals and concerts around the world and opened for stars such as Edgar Winter, Blues Traveler, and Boney James.
During COVID-19, when the entertainment realm froze for months, Robert began searching for ways to satisfy his creative cravings. “Somebody suggested that I start a podcast. I didn’t even know what that was,” Robert muses. He kept exploring the concept, eventually realizing the potential that lies in this longer form of content creation. In the three years since Robert’s podcast, Follow Your Dream, has become a leading music podcast worldwide, with listeners across the globe. Each episode is an insightful conversation between Robert and intriguing guests, primarily famous musicians and other creatives, discussing their careers and successes. Robert also infuses the podcast with his music, releasing all his new music worldwide through this platform. The relaxed and genuine nature of Robert’s podcast is what allures listeners; up to date, there have been millions of downloads around the world, which offer a testament to Robert’s diversity and creativity.
“I didn’t set out to have a top 1% podcast. What I wanted was to share my story, hoping it would inspire others,” he adds. “Most people my age think it’s all over and it’s not the right time to chase neglected dreams. I wanted to show people that you’re never too old, and it’s never too late to follow your dream – as I did. It’s not about becoming the best; it’s about taking a chance and giving your dreams a genuine shot.”
Meet Robert Miller (Bold Journey)
Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Robert, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I came of age musically during the British Invasion era of the 1960s and then segued into the Jazz Rock Fusion era of the 1970s. I was sure that I was on track to become a rock star. But life got in the way as it does for so many of us. Marriage, kids, job, obligations. My music dream went off track for 15 years. It took me decades to get it back. When I turned 60 I said to myself it’s now or never. So figuratively I jumped into the deep end of the pool. And it was the best decision that I ever made. Since then I’ve released 14 albums including a Billboard #1, written an Amazon #1 Bestseller book, and started the Follow Your Dream Podcast. This was my purpose. It just took me a long time to find it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started my Follow Your Dream Podcast in March 2021 during the depths of the pandemic. We were all in lockdown. As a musician I couldn’t perform or even rehearse, and I needed to find a creative outlet. I had never even listened to a podcast at that time, but after looking into it I became convinced that a podcast allowed for a much deeper level of engagement than ordinary social media. Here we are three years later and things have developed better than I ever could have hoped for. The podcast is ranked in the Top 1% with listeners in 200 countries. I focus on famous musicians and other creatives. And I release all of my music via the podcast, as each episode goes out to thousands of people all around the world. And for me the icing on the cake is that I have been able to collaborate musically with several of my podcast guests including Randy Brecker (Blood Sweat & Tears), John Helliwell (Supertramp), Elliot Randall (Steely Dan) and Jim Peterik (Ides of March).
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I tell my musicians that my only requirements are show up on time and prepared. And I also tell them to perform at the top of their game no matter how many, or how few, people are watching.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents believed in me and supported me. My father was an amateur trumpet player and guided me into music. My mother made me practice. I remember her saying to me that one day I would thank her for making me practice. And she was absolutely right. Thanks mom!
Contact Info:
Meet Robert Miller (Canvas Rebel)
Meet Robert Miller
Canvas Rebel
STORIES & INSIGHTS14 HOURS AGO
Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Robert, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
I started playing the piano when I was 5. My father played the trumpet and was determined that I would be a musician. But I hated piano lessons and practicing. All I wanted to do was to play outside with my friends. I told my parents that I wanted to stop piano. They agreed but only if I took up another instrument, so I chose trumpet like my father.
I played the trumpet through High School in the orchestra and band. But along the way this little band from Liverpool, England came along and changed everything. When the Beatles hit it suddenly was not very cool to play the trumpet. So like millions of other kids I taught myself guitar and then the bass. Music became my passion. I was sure that I was on the path to become a rock star.
But, as they say, life got in the way of my dream. After graduating from college I got a job in the mailroom of the local public television station. So I was working in the mailroom during the day and playing music in clubs at night. I was hardly earning a living though. So in a moment of desperation I applied to law school. I figured that I could practice law during the day and continue to play music at night. But I was totally wrong. Law school was all encompassing, and the law job I got afterwards was even more time consuming. I had no time whatsoever for my music.
I literally stopped playing music for 15 years! By then I was in my 40s, had a wife, two kids, a mortgage, etc. All the trappings. But I was miserable that I had given up my music dream. I resolved to do something about it. I forced myself to start practicing again. I started playing with other musicians. I wound up recording my first album. I put a band together and we played various clubs and festivals. It was exhilarating! But it was also still like an hobby, as I was still working full time.
It took me another 20 years until I finally followed my music dream. Once I turned 60 I decided that it was now or never. I gave up everything else and figuratively jumped into the deep end of the pool. And it turned out to be the best decision that I ever made.
Since then I’ve recorded 13 albums including a Billboard #1 with my band, Project Grand Slam, had millions of video views and streams, and toured in the U.S. and Europe. I’ve opened for Blues Traveler, Edgar Winter, Boney James and Mindi Abair.
This led during the pandemic to me starting my Follow Your Dream Podcast at a time when we couldn’t perform or even rehearse. From nowhere in March 2021 the podcast is now ranked in the Top 1% of all podcasts with listeners in 200 countries. I’ve interviewed so many famous musicians, actors, directors and other creatives. In some instances I’ve been able to collaborate with some of them on new music projects. All in all, my dream come true.
So, to answer the question, yes I wish that I had started down my creative path earlier than I did. All of my peers who made it did so in their 20s. It took me until my 60s. So I didn’t have the chance to build an audience like they did when I was young. On the other hand, doing it at my age is totally unique. I know of no one else who has taken my path and succeeded.
Life takes you on paths that we don’t always anticipate. My motto has become: “You’re never too old, and it’s never too late, to follow your dream.”
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I’m doing exactly what I always wanted to be doing – using my creativity and ingenuity. For me it’s a much higher level of engagement and living than I got in a 9-to-5 job.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me it’s the recognition after all these years of my creativity and output. Knowing that I have thousands of podcast listeners each week across 200 countries who are listening to my podcasts and my music – which I infuse in the podcast – is very rewarding.
Contact Info:
Robert Miller’s Grand Slam Project Talks New Music, Podcasts and More
Nov 9, 2023 | Interviews (Just Listen To This)
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Supplied By Lisa Davies Promotions
Robert Miller’s Project Grand Slam are releasing a new EP and we sat down with Robert Miller to find out more:
Firstly, how did Robert Miller‘s Project Grand Slam begin?
I formed Project Grand Slam in 2007. The story of the name is interesting. I was a big fan of the James Bond movies when I was growing up. In the movie “Goldfinger” the plot to contaminate the gold in Fort Knox, USA was called Project Grand Slam. I liked the sound of that and chose it as the band’s name. However, when I watched the movie again six months later I discovered to my horror that the plot was actually called Operation Grand Slam! But it was too late to change the name. Besides, I later Googled Operation Grand Slam and found out that there was a genocidal program in Africa that was called Operation Grand Slam. I didn’t think that naming a band after a genocidal program was a great idea!
Who else is in the band with you and what do they play?
The band is based in New Yok City. And I’m fortunate that there are so many wonderful musicians who come to America and New York City to make their mark. So I’ve not had any problem filling out the lineup with incredible musicians, mainly from Latin countries. The current lineup features Marilyn Castillo (Mexican-American) on vocals, Joel E. Mateo (Puerto Rico) on drums, Baden Goyo (Venezuela) on keyboards, Tristan Clark (Canada) on guitar, Alex Blade Silver (U.S.) on sax, and Guillermo Barron (Mexico) on percussion. I play the bass, write all the music, and come from New York City.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I grew up in Queens, New York, one of the boroughs of New York City. A typical middle-class neighborhood. I started out on piano, then switched to trumpet because my dad played the trumpet. When the Beatles and the British Invasion era came out in the 1960s trumpet was no longer very cool so I taught myself guitar and then bass.
You have released a new EP called ‘The Singles Project’. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
I write and record new music all the time. I happened to have 5 songs that I felt were release-worthy. They were very different from my usual music in that they’re rock oriented, several have a message, and I decided to sing them all.
The EP includes the single ‘Like Never Before’. What was the story/inspiration behind that track?
I believe that artists have an obligation to address the social issues of the day. This was the usual in the ‘60s as artists like Dylan and CSN&Y released message songs. “Like Never Before” is a song that speaks to all the problems and issues in the world, particularly given what’s happening right now in the Middle East. We don’t respect one another. Something has to change. My message is clear: “We need each other right now like never before.”
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, equipment, effects, pedals etc?
I’m Old School. I don’t use any effects or pedals for my bass. If I can’t create the sound that I want without machines I’m not interested in doing so. My go-to bass is my 4-string Pedula which is about 30 years old. I also have a Fender Precision Bass from 1960 that I bought in a pawn shop in 1974 for $100. My best investment!
Do you have any plans to support the release with any live dates such as in the UK and Europe?
Rather than go on tour I have the benefit of hosting a podcast (Follow Your Dream) that is ranked in the Top 1% of all podcasts and has listeners in 200 countries. I release all of my music through the podcast and it goes to thousands of people all around the world. It’s like taking a world tour without having to go on tour. I don’t know of any other artist who has this opportunity.
Was it a difficult EP to write at all?
Not at all. Every time I sit down at the piano or with my guitar I come up with something worth saving. I record a bit into my phone and then come back and listen to it later. If I like it we go further.
In addition, you host the ‘Follow Your Dream’ podcast. How did that opportunity arise? Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from your podcast?
The podcast has been a remarkable, wonderful experience for me. I had no idea when I started it during the depths of the pandemic where it would go. It’s attracted so many incredible artists – musicians, actors, directors and other creatives. And the icing on the cake is that I’ve been able to collaborate musically with several of my guests, including Jim Peterik (Ides of March/Survivor), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan), John Helliwell (Supertramp) and Tony Carey (Rainbow).
What makes Robert Miller happy and what makes you unhappy?
I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 48 years. Two daughters. Five grandchildren. As the song goes “I’m A Happy Man”.
Robert Miller’s Grand Slam Project’s latest single ‘Like Never Before’ is out now. The new EP ‘The Singles Project’ is released on 18th November 2023 on Cakewalk Records.
Official Website: https://www.projectgrandslam.com/
Follow Your Dream Podcast: https://www.followyourdreampodcast.com/
Cakewalk Records Releases “Bobby M and the Paisley Parade”
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, January 17, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Cakewalk Records announces the release of Robert Miller’s new album, “Bobby M and the Paisley Parade”. Featuring 10 new songs by Robert, plus guest appearances by John Helliwell of Supertramp, Tony Carey of Rainbow, and international sitar sensation Deobrat Mishra. Produced by Tony Carey.
The theme of the album is relationships and love - with a ‘60s vibe. Says Robert: “I feel like this is the album that I was always meant to make. I came of age musically in the ‘60s, and then became captivated by jazz fusion in the ‘70s. This album is a combination of the two.”
The reviewers are unanimous in their praise:
“Album Of The Year!” (Indie Shark)
“One of the great rock sets of the year!” (Big Celebrity Buzz)
“An adventure that keeps us on the edge of our seats!” (Pop Icon)
“Intriguing and evocative with a signature persona!” (Mob York City)
So are these famous musicians:
“Catchy and engaging with great tunes!” - Steve Hackett (Genesis)
“This album has life and soul!” - John Helliwell (Supertramp)
“Bobby M rocks!” - Gary Puckett (The Union Gap)
“Nice cool bluesy album!” - Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds)
“Robert really really really rocks!” - Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary)
“Great Songs. Great performances. A smash!” - David Libert (The Happenings)
The album is being released in a novel way via Robert’s acclaimed podcast, Follow Your Dream. The podcast features many famous musicians and others as guests and is ranked in the Top 1% with listeners in 200 countries. Each week for five weeks Robert will release another special episode of the podcast featuring two songs from the album, starting on January 19th.
The album is available for streaming on all streaming platforms. Click HERE.
ABOUT ROBERT AND PROJECT GRAND SLAM
Robert is the leader/composer/bassist for Project Grand Slam. Since its formation in 2009 the band has released 12 celebrated albums including a Billboard #1 (Trippin’ 2018), had millions of video views and streams, and has performed at festivals and concerts around the world. PGS has opened for Edgar Winter, Blues Traveler, Boney James and Mindi Abair. For more information on Robert and Project Grand Slam click HERE.
CONTACT
Ralph Baskin
Cakewalk Records
info@projectgrandslam.com
Visit us on social media:
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Musician Robert Miller’s ‘Follow Your Dream’ Podcast Spawns Book
All Access (September 7, 2021)
Musician ROBERT MILLER's story of pursuing a music career and succeeding at an advanced age spawned a successful podcast, "FOLLOW YOUR DREAM," and has now led to a book that offers advice while chronicling his decision to try his hand as a musician in his 60s and succeeding with his band PROJECT GRAND SLAM. "THE FOLLOW YOUR DREAM HANDBOOK: YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD AND IT'S NEVER TOO LATE" includes a "'Dream Theory Five Step Plan" for success in any area, breaking down goals into achievable steps.
MILLER, who launched the podcast in MARCH and has counted MINDI ABAIR, JEFF LORBER, ANTON FIG, "COUSIN BRUCIE" MORROW, and SURVIVOR and IDES OF MARCH's JIM PETERIK among his guests, told ALL ACCESS, "As the title says, you're never too old and it's never too late. I am very gratified that since its release it has been so well received." The book is available at AMAZON both as a paperback and a free Kindle book, the latter topping some of AMAZON's free book charts.
Cindy Adams - New York Post
CINDY ADAMS
August 30, 2021
Good reads
To read over Labor Day: there’s the “Follow Your Dream Handbook.” Musician Robert Miller’s part memoir/part how-to on how to follow your dreams.
Robert Miller’s Follow Your Dream Handbook To Be Released in August
Robert Miller's “Follow Your Dream Handbook” to Be Released This August
The Handbook is part memoir, telling his unique and compelling story, and part how-to, explaining his DREAM theory
BROADWAY WORLD
by Alexa Criscitiello Jun. 7, 2021
Robert Miller had a youthful music dream to become a Rock Star. But like many people, life got in the way of his dream - marriage, kids, job, and financial obligations. But he finally followed and succeeded at his dream when he was in his 60's, an age when most Baby Boomers are planning their retirement.
In just 5+ years since then Miller and his band, Project Grand Slam, have released 10 albums including a Billboard #1, had over 4 million video views, over 1 million Spotify streams, more than 50,000 Facebook fans, performed at festivals and concerts around the world, and opened for Edgar Winter, Blues Traveler, Boney James and Mindi Abair, and an after-show for YES.
In March 2021 Miller started a podcast, ‘Follow Your Dream’, to inspire and motivate others to pursue and succeed at their dream - whatever it may be. Miller believes that everyone has a dream, and that dreams come in all different shapes and sizes, from learning a new skill or hobby, to starting a new business, to finding a new career.
Miller has now written the Follow Your Dream Handbook (Cakewalk Global Publishing) out August 3, to accompany the podcast. The Handbook is part memoir, telling his unique and compelling story, and part how-to, explaining his DREAM theory - the exact steps that he followed and that readers can follow in order to pursue and succeed at their dream. The Handbook is also full of photographs from Miller's illustrious music career.
The podcast is already in the top 5% of all podcasts in terms of downloads. Miller's initial podcast guests have included "Cousin Brucie" Morrow, America's most famous radio personality; Anton Fig, drummer on The David Letterman Show; Mort Crim, longtime Detroit television anchor; Donnie Kehr of Jersey Boys; Robert Funaro, star of The Sopranos; and Steve Katz of Blood Sweat & Tears.
The Handbook has received numerous endorsements, including from "Cousin Brucie"; George Schweitzer - Former Chief of Marketing at CBS; Mark Bego - Best Selling author; and Mark Scheerer - Former Correspondent, ABC, CNN, NY Times.
10 Questions With Robert Miller
ALL ACCESS RADIO
May 4, 2021
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I finally followed my youthful music dream and became a Rock Star in my 60s, when most of my fellow Baby Boomers are planning their retirement. In just 5 years I’ve released 10 albums including a Billboard #1, had over 4 million video views, over 1 million Spotify streams, over 50,000 Facebook fans, performed at festivals and concerts around the world, and opened for Edgar Winter, Blues Traveler, Boney James and Mindi Abair, and an after-show for Yes. I recently started the "Follow Your Dream" Podcast to inspire and motivate people to pursue and succeed at their dream. And I’ve written and about to release the "Follow Your Dream Handbook."
1. You've had great success in music and business. What spurred you to add podcasting to the list?
Three reasons. First, I wanted to develop a deeper level of engagement with people, and the long form nature of a podcast enables this. Second, I realized that I had a unique and inspiring story in that I followed my dream and became a success in music - a young person’s game - at a later stage of life, which could inspire others. Third, I wanted to use the podcast to introduce my music to a whole different group of people than my traditional music fans.
2. You've had some interesting guests on the podcast so far. What have been the most interesting revelations you've heard from your guests on the podcast?
I’ve been very fortunate to attract a group of VIP guests to the podcast from various walks of life. What they have in common is that they had a dream and were successful in accomplishing that dream. I ask all of my guests to give advice to the dreamers out there who have a dream but have not yet pursued or succeeded at that dream for whatever reason. Their advice is very consistent - never give up and persistence, persistence, persistence!
3. The reaction some people will have to the idea that you can pursue a passion later in life and become successful at it will likely be, well, I don't have time, I'm too old, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. What do you say to that in response, as someone who has proven that it can be done?
I’m living proof that you’re never too old, and it’s never too late, to follow your dream. Everyone has a dream, but most people never follow through on theirs. Life tends to get in the way. That certainly happened to me too. But you never want to look back at any point in your life and regret that you did not even give your dream a shot.
4. Speaking of your music career revival, once you got Project Grand Slam going again, when was it that you felt that the whole thing was working? Was there a moment when it all clicked and you realized that the plan was working -- maybe a moment on stage, or in the studio, or booking a better gig?
My personal “Aha” moment came in 2018 when PGS was in Serbia performing at the Nisville Jazz Festival before 20,000 people. They didn’t know us or our music. But by the end of our set we got a standing ovation, and when we left the stage there was a long line of people waiting to take a picture and for my autograph. It doesn’t get much cooler than that!
5. How do you prepare for each interview? Is there a lot of research involved or do you prefer to go in more casually and conversationally?
I spend time learning about my podcast guests and formulating areas of discussion. But like any good jazz musician, the interview itself is improvisational. The key is to listen to the guest and respond appropriately to what they are saying.
6. The band is classified as jazz, you've topped the jazz charts, but you started off with rock and there's a lot of rock in your music. What is "jazz" to you -- is it 50's traditional, Coltrane and Miles, fusion, or something else, or all of it? Is the label limiting or can you ignore it, and... well, how would you define your music yourself?
I started off my musical life playing rock. I came of age during the 1960's and the British Invasion era and adored all those bands. I went on to discover jazz and play jazz fusion in the 1970's. So for me the sweet spot is the intersection of rock and jazz and also with a bit of Latin thrown in mainly because of the influence of my band members, many of whom hale from Latin countries. In the last few albums my writing has definitely veered towards vocal songs and more rock oriented. I pride myself on the variety of the genres and feelings that I evoke in my music.
7. Who have been your inspirations and influences, musically, in podcasting, and/or in life?
Musically, my main influences were some of the great artists of the 1960s/70s, including The Beatles, Cream, Weather Report, and Return To Forever. In music, podcasting and life in general, I try to strike out on my own path and be as distinctive as I can be.
8. Of what are you most proud?
My family. I’ve been married to the same woman for 46 years, we have two daughters and sons in law, and four (soon to be five) grandchildren. They keep me very grounded.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________.
.…chocolate! I’m a chocoholic. My other dailies are exercise and meditation.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
Best is never give up. I don’t listen to or remember bad advice.
Robert Miller’s Follow Your Dream Podcast To Release Special Edition Friday: Tree Of Life - End Gun Violence
April 22, 2021
GH Harding
The Follow Your Dream Podcast, hosted by Robert Miller, is releasing Special Edition: Tree Of Life – End Gun Violence on Friday, April 23, 2021. This episode is in response to the continuing overwhelming number of mass shootings that have plagued the nation.
Robert originally wrote the song “Tree Of Life” in 2018 in the immediate aftermath of the mass shooting then at the Tree Of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were slaughtered and another 6 were wounded. It was recorded by Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, and released first as a single and then included on the album PGS 7 (2019).
It is a spare, mournful song featuring only piano (Baden Goyo) and vocal (Ziarra Washington). In it Robert asks:
Why are there guns everywhere in our land?
Fired with hate and surprise
It’s tearing us up and we cannot survive
We must be safe in our time
All this hurt and pain
We can’t let it happen again
We must find a better way – today
Robert started the Follow Your Dream Podcast in March 2021 to inspire and motivate people to follow and succeed at their dream – just as he has succeeded in his musical dream. The podcast already has been downloaded thousands of times in dozens of countries. His guests have included, radio-personality Bruce Morrow; celebrity-biographer Mark Bego; former CNN and ABC News commentator March Scheerer, among others.
There are literally thousands of Americans who will never be able to pursue their dream. They are the victims of gun violence and mass shootings. The SPECIAL EDITION is dedicated to those Dreamers whose lives were needlessly ended by gun violence.
Robert is asking his listeners to contact their political leaders and demand action to curb gun violence.
The link for the podcast is www.followyourdreampodcast.com, and for Robert’s music at www.projectgrandslam.com.
Robert Miller’s Follow Your Dream Podcast Debut
G.H. HARDING
Robert Miller, leader of his rock/jazz/latin ensemble Project Grand Slam, came up with a brilliant idea: He started a podcast that begins and ends with a track from one of PGS’s 7 albums – including tracks from their #1 Billboard jazz album Trippin’.
While the podcast concept has certainly been replicated last year numerous times, no one else could program music that they created. Starting the series (Follow Your Dream) with radio-personality “Cousin Brucie” Morrow as Miller’s first guest, its gained instant notoriety for Miller’s variety of guests and for his intimate knowledge of music.
Musicians follow it, consumers too. We spoke with Miller online to investigate the behind the scenes details of the broadcast; and, we also touch on his first solo album Summer of Love 2020 (released last year) and his forthcoming solo-album #2: Miller Rocks.
Q: Tell us the reason behind the start-up of Follow Your Dream
A: “There were three reasons why I started the podcast. First, I realized that I had a totally unique music story in that I finally followed my youthful dream and became a Rock Star in my 60’s – an age when most Baby Boomers are planning their retirement – and I succeeded in an industry that is focused on youth. I’m living proof that you’re never too old, and it’s never too late, to follow your dream. Second, I felt that my story could inspire and motivate others to pursue and succeed at their dream. Everyone has a dream, but most people never wind up following their dream because life tends to get in the way. Third, I wanted another platform, with greater fan engagement, to introduce my music – which is the manifestation of my dream.”
Q: Your first guest was Bruce Morrow – Cousin Brucie- and it was a great interview. Tell us how you both first met?
A: “I first met Bruce years ago when I co-owned a record label called 32 Records. We had just bought the music rights to Tom Jones’ television show and wanted to promote it. So, I came up with the idea of doing a Tom Jones Impersonation Contest, and I hired Bruce to MC it. Bruce was great, and the guy who won the contest was so good and looked and sounded so much like Tom Jones that he just might have been the real Tom Jones! “
“Bruce’s podcast interview was just wonderful. He was the Superstar of AM radio in NYC in the 1960’s. I mean, he introduced The Beatles at Shea Stadium! And he talked about this, about being at the center of Beatlemania, about his 50-year career in radio from AM to FM to Sirius/XM and now back to AM. And along the way I asked him about that famous theme song of his recorded by The Four Seasons – and just for fun I played the song underneath his explanation. Just a great, entertaining guest!”
Q: And, your follow-up guests have been?
A: “They include Mindi Abair, two time GRAMMY nominated saxophonist, who spoke about her being “discovered” by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith when she was backing a vocalist on American Idol and then going on tour with Aerosmith; Michael “Eppy” Epstein, Founder of My Father’s Place, the legendary Long Island rock club that launched the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Billy Joel, Eddie Murphy, George Carlin and Billy Crystal to name just a few; and George Schweitzer, who was CBS Head Of Marketing for 30 years and intimately involved in the transition of television from over-the-air to the Internet.”
Q: In the middle of this pandemic, you released your first solo album, Summer of Love 2020, which we loved. Tell us how you recorded it with so much being shut down?
A: “When the pandemic struck musicians were among the hardest hit. All of a sudden, we couldn’t play live anymore. Our last live gig was February 11, 2020. Luckily, we had just finished our last PGS album, East Side Sessions, which we intended to promote with live gigs. But without that ability I decided that the next best thing was to release some videos of songs from that album. So, we did four videos – the first two were Zoom type videos with everyone stuck in their little box in the frame and us all lip syncing and lip playing to the song. The next one we got more creative and made an animated video of my re-imagined version of The Beatles’ ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’. The last one was even more daring, as we set this Country Jazz song I wrote called ‘The Pardners’ to a 1968 Spaghetti Western movie that fit. All in all, these four videos were very successful and had about 1 million views.”
“But I kept writing songs, without any way to play them with the band. Finally, I decided to begin recording them remotely, at first using my iPhone (are you listening Apple?)! Slowly we began assembling the songs instrument by instrument. When it came to singing them, though, I decided that the songs were all so personal that I just had to sing them. This was a big decision for me because up until them I had only sung harmony and background. But the two themes of the songs were the effect of the pandemic on me and the world, and also the idea that love was the emotion that would get us through the pandemic. I’m pleased to say that the critics all loved the album.”
Q: And, I’ve heard you’re working on another solo recording?
A: “Yes, I wrote 10 new songs over the last several months, and like the last album, began recording them remotely. This time I found that the songs were moving more towards my rock side. I had started out as a composer in contemporary instrumental jazz. I then began incorporating more and more vocal songs into my repertoire, for two reasons. First, because my wife convinced me that people love vocals, and second, because I had a wonderful singer in the band. And I added in the variety that I love in my music, which includes rock, jazz, Latin, ballads, wordless vocals, etc.”
“The new album is finished and ready to greet the world. I named it ‘Miller Rocks’. 10 songs that continue the variety that I love and am known for. I even threw in one song for my grand-kids, called ‘To The Zoo!’, kind of an update to Paul Simon’s great song, ‘At The Zoo”. I’m very excited about this album and I’m planning to roll it out in a totally different way via my podcast – one song each week as part of the intro to my podcast. Telling people a bit about the song, letting them hear about 30 seconds of it, and directing them to my podcast and music sites to hear the entire song.”
Q: I love how you start and end the podcast with one of your recordings. That’s a terrific idea. And, the listeners can go to your site and buy the record, right?
A: “As I said earlier, my music is the manifestation of my dream. So, I felt that it was perfectly appropriate to work my music into the podcast. And I decided to do this by choosing a different one of my songs for each episode based on the guest for that episode, playing a bit under the introduction, and then the whole song at the end. It’s like two bookends to each episode. And yes, people can go listen to the song or buy it if they like.”
Q: Your representative told me Project Grand Slam is booked for a jazz festival in June? Tell us about that.
A: “Our first post-Covid gig! We’ve been asked to perform again at MusikFest in Bethlehem, PA on June 27th. This is a really neat festival that takes place against the backdrop of an old abandoned steel mill, with stacks going 100 feet into the air. It’s quite spectacular! We played MusikFest in 2019 and were scheduled to play it in 2020. I’m also hoping that Europe clears up as there are several festivals and a tour that we were supposed to do in 2020 that could reemerge in 2021.”
Q: This pandemic has devastated the industry; what are your thoughts on going forward? Obviously, things will get back to normal … but, it will take some time.
A: “Music is one of the keys to life. It will never go away. Everyone is itching to get back in the saddle again so to speak. The virus will let us know when that’s possible.”
Q: If you could get three guests of your choosing for the podcast, who would they be?
A: “Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and my father. The first two are obvious. I grew up on the British Invasion bands so McCartney would be at the top of my list and, as you know, Clapton is God (or so they said in London!). My dad was a musician and got me into music. He passed away over 30 years ago. I think he would be quite proud of what I’ve done.”
Robert and Eppy Talk About Seeing A Young, Unknown James Taylor Perform In The Late 60s
MILLER ROCKS — Project Grand Slam leader Robert Miller has Michael ‘Eppy’ Epstein (owner of the legendary Long Island rock club My Father’s Place) on his Follow Your Dream Podcast on March 29th and he relates a story about recent Grammy Award winner James Taylor. Miller was in college in Boston in the late 60’s and one night happened upon a young unknown performer at a local dive called the Psychedelic Supermarket … it was Taylor. Says Miller, “There were maybe four people in the place but he played for 2 hours … you could tell he was someone special.” Epstein concurs, “I was also in Boston at the time and immediately booked JT for several more local shows in Boston.” And the rest is history.
The pic below is of Eppy and The Runaways.
“Eppy” Epstein, legendary rock empresario on Follow Your Dream
Eppy Epstein and Robert Miller’s Project Grand Slam at My Father’s Place - Feb. 2020
Robert Miller’s podcast (Follow Your Dream) with Michael ‘Eppy’ Epstein from the legendary My Father’s Place is superb. It goes live March 29 …
“Eppy” Epstein of My Father’s Place, legendary rock club, on Follow Your Dream Podcast
Eppy from the legendary My Father’s Place joins Robert Miller on March 17th on his Follow Your Dream podcast
Robert Miller’s Follow Your Dream Podcast Debuts with “Cousin Brucie” Morrow
On ROBERT MILLER’s debut podcast (Follow Your Dream), his first guest is radio-personality Bruce Morrow, who re-counted his introducing The Beatles at Shea Stadium in 1964 … with variety-show personality Ed Sullivan:
“Ed and I were in the dugout and the noise from the crowd was deafening … but, as we walked the staircase to the stage, it began to shake and Ed got nervous. He looked at me and asked what we should do … and, I said pray!”
Morrow also re-counts the day when he was on CBS-FM and they were hosting -with fellow DJ and Monkee Micky Dolenz- a live show at the late-B.B. King’s club in NYC. “When we were doing the show live, they were changing the format and equipment in our studio. We didn’t find out till late in the day … that was very disappointing, because they let the audience down and my audience is #1 with me.”
Miller fronts the rock/jazz/latin band Project Grand Slam and it debuts on most platforms Monday, March 15.
Robert Miller’s Follow Your Dream Podcast Debuts on March 15, 2021
It all begins with an idea.
Robert Miller from Project Grand Slam, debuts his podcast Follow Your Dream on March 15. His first guest is radio-personality Bruce Morrow. I just heard a portion of it and its simply superb with Morrow dropping some great memories of The Beatles at Shea Stadium; Ed Sullivan (remember him?); and, the demise of the great CBS-FM (where Monkee-Micky Dolenz was a DJ as well). We’ll have it here on the 15th …