Hazel Miller in the Press

Any Louisville resident who was paying attention to music in the late '70s/early '80s will remember Hazel Miller, a big-voiced singer who belted out a powerful blend of blues, pop and gospel. A top club performer, she also opened for national touring performers such Bob James, Mel Torme, Earl Klugh, Patrice Rushen, The Temptations, and the Count Basie Orchestra.

But what she's best remembered for is a little commercial ditty written by Nancy Moser and Joe Brown as part of a feel-good ad campaign for the City of Louisville. "Look What We Can Do, Louisville!" was recorded with the Louisville Orchestra in 1982 and became instantly embedded in the minds of civic-minded city residents. By 1984, Hazel had packed her bags and moved to Denver, Colorado, where she continues to perform and where her shows have been touted by the Denver Post as some of THAT city's best. Louisville public radio listeners have been able to keep up with Hazel through "E-Town," a nationally-syndicated show recorded at Boulder's Fox Theatre. (Hazel has also recorded an album of her own there, in addition to a studio album called "I'm Still Looking"). Hazel has entertained for US troops in Central America, Europe, the Far East and the Middle East, performed at the White House for Bill Clinton, and performed for the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Avalanche after their respective 1998 Superbowl and NHL Stanley Cup victories. For inspiring civic pride in at least two world-class cities, and for providing Louisville with the most memorable city theme song ever, ear X-tacy salutes Hazel Miller! In honor of Women's History Month, this is the final installment of a 4-part series on the contributions of women who helped put Louisville on the national (and international!) music map. This week, the powerful voice of civic pride herself, Hazel Miller.