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.”