Miller Harris was born June 19, 1974 with a sweet disposition that was evident from the beginning. At age three he was diagnosed with asthma, and after enduring a regimen of allergy tests to pinpoint his specific triggers, he began his lifelong ordeal with the ultimately fatal condition. Miller was undaunted by the effects of the disease, and his lust for life endeared him to all who knew him.
After graduating from high school 1992, Miller continued his education first at Ole Miss, then transferring his sophomore year to Middle Tennessee State University to study in the Recording Industry Management program. After graduating from MTSU in 1996, Miller joined his mom, Judy Harris, in the music publishing business. They signed Earl Thomas Conley, who Miller regarded as the “real deal”. Songwriters and artists who came in to the office were always drawn in by Miller’s enthusiasm. He was always happy for other’s success, and he made every day an adventure and truly ‘lived’ each day.
Miller was also very concerned about the poor state of Music Row, and by the time he graduated from MTSU, it was in severe decline. In response, he and other young music industry professionals began what would eventually become the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID). SOLID grew to be a formidable organization dedicated to supporting up-and-coming music industry professionals and the music industry as a whole.
Regretfully, Miller’s infectious good-natured spirit passed into the hands of Jesus on September 11, 1999, after a fatal asthma attack; Miller was just 25 years old. Miller was a member of St. Paul Southern Methodist Church and participated in Bible Study Fellowship. Those who knew Miller regarded him as an angel, a saint, a goof, a friend, a kind spirit and a loving soul, and he especially endeared himself to Nashville’s singer-songwriters.
Miller held God, family and friends above all else, and if there is a common thread among those who speak of him still, it is that “he could make you laugh.” No doubt he could make you cry too, but his was a selfless and genuinely good heart, and he is sorely missed by all.