Musician and singer. Born Michael Emile Telford Miller in Castries, Saint Lucia. His family moved to London in the mid 1950s where he taught himself to play a number of musical instruments. He made several appearances on television before teaming up with his backing group, The Checkmates. His first self-produced recording, 'What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?' went to number one in the UK Singles Chart, making him the first black British artist to sell one million copies. Several hits followed, then, using his skills as a sound engineer, he created a backing track system for stage shows which provided the basis for what would become karaoke. He had a condition called synaesthesia in which senses seem cross-wired. For example a person sees particular colours when they hear certain sounds.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
