Bio


MARILYN MILLER
(long bio)

A fixture on the local music scene, Marilyn Miller was born in Hudson, NY and grew up in nearby Germantown. She is the grand daughter of Harrison Miller, a popular local fiddler and entertainer. She played clarinet in the school band and in the Columbia County musical institution, The Ghent Band. When the Woodstock wave hit the Hudson Valley, Marilyn was ready and her musical life blossomed.

Neil Young, Pete Seeger, Patti Smith and Joni Mitchell, among others, influenced her world view and her interest in music and the guitar. Though marriage and motherhood intervened, her desire to keep learning and performing led her to guitar teacher David Hodge in the Berkshire Mountains. Step by step, Marilyn continued to grow into songwriting, performing and recording her own songs.

Marilyn is a big believer in continuing to learn and grow by attending workshops and seminars by notable songwriters and performers such as Steve Earle, Richard Thompson and Sloan Wainwright. An enthusiastic 'Rustie', she has traveled the world with this group of Neil Young fans, singing and playing in dozens of international cities (while attending over 100 of Neil's shows!)

These days, her influences tend towards James McMurtry, Todd Snider, Lukas Nelson, John Prine and her friend and fellow musician Betsi Krisniski, who is her sometime partner and 'busking sister' in the loosely organized group of street players known as 'HUDSON BUSK".

Her current project is 'Rick and Marilyn', an electro-acoustic duo with guitar slinger Rick Warren. They appear at many events such as the Blueberry Festival, Rhinebeck PorchFest, Hudson Music Fest, Lighthouse Fundraiser, Greene County Arts Picnic and numerous farmers markets, open mics and other venues.  She is known among other musicians for hosting jams and song circles and is always on the scene for social justice and progressive political events with her guitar.

Marilyn Miller truly embodies the spirit of bring 'Music to the People' in a grassroots way, and by doing so brings the 'People to the Music'.


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NIGHTHAWK:
Music should leave a mark on the heart and speak to the soul. Whether Marilyn Miller is singing a favorite cover or her own melodic song, she is sure to both move you in the moment and leave a lasting mark. She sings songs that are highly personal, with catchy, fun tunes and honest, thoughtful lyrics. Don’t be surprised to find yourself humming her melodies and remembering the hooks....this music sticks with you. She plays a rhythmic guitar and sings joyously, and can often be found making music on the street, encouraging others at open jams, and generally just spreading the love of music. Her songs will make you dance, bring back that certain memory or let you explore some feelings a little deeper.

Her 10-song debut album showcases her unique voice and mastery of a wide range of song styles. Nighthawk, produced by Todd Mack of Off the Beat 'N' Track Studio in Sheffield, MA, is a collection of songs ranging from the punkish-rock of "Crash and Burn" to the down-home country of "Crater." There are also acoustic ballads, a straight up blues piece, and the title song, which is best enjoyed in the dark, with head phones. Each song comes wrapped up in sonic magic created by an exciting set of musicians, heavily flavored with guitars of all sorts, pedal steel, violin and viola, piano and drums.

It is no surprise that, given the diversity of her songs, her favorite musician is Neil Young, a man well known to follow his muse wherever it takes him. His influence is evident in these songs. As a performer, Marilyn is most often compared to Patti Smith, no doubt due to the high energy she displays in presenting her work, and her dedication to always seeking the truth in the music.


Marilyn would love to entertain you at your gathering, solo acoustic or with others. She is happy to perform folk songs that you know, her own songs, or a combo. Let her know what you are thinking!



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Short bio:

For some people, a guitar is just an instrument. For Marilyn Miller, a guitar is a friend, a joy and a tool for community. With her extensive knowledge of classic folk, her catalog dips into Neil Young, John Prine, Steve Earle and other progressive musicians, but her strength is in her original compositions. The songs consist of compelling, memorable melodies and thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics. Her debut album, Nighthawk, showcases her unique voice, her mastery of a wide range of song styles and her emotional depth. You will remember these songs and this performance.

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