Lou (Louis) Millet was born April 1926 in Baton Rouge, La. 
Got his first guitar at 16, set up a band “The Melody Ramblers”, that lasted four years (NB. See the bottom of the page for a recently 1949 record found). In 1951, he is noted by entrepreneur J.D. Miller (from Crowley, La), and he cuts several sides issued on the Feature label. Two were even sold to the Gallatin, Tn, Dot label. All are fine Hillbilly bop songs and show a firm vocal in front of a strong backing. Millet then became acquainted to Lefty Frizzell, who hired him as front man for his shows. Hence follow a deal with Columbia records, and a dozen sides, without success.
In 1955, he did sign with Johnny Vincent’s Ace label in Jackson, Ms, for whom he cut a proto-rockabilly effort, “Just You And Me”.
Then he goes to Hollywood’s Ekko label (which had a branch in Nashville). Finally, he did cut two all-time Rockabilly classics in 1956 for the Republic label, “Shorty The Barber” and “Slip, Slip, Slippin’ In” (original to Eddie Bond’s version), which are still revered today.
Two singles later on Scenic, one on Go (“Uncle Earl”, in memory of the controversial La. Governor Earl K. Long). A little gospel music on Wagon Wheel records during the 70s. Even a rebel record on Conservative as “Colonel Lou”.
No one seems to know what happened to him afterwards.
Cactus CD (2009)
Flash! (October 13th, 2011) A visitor has found a 78 rpm record by LOUIS MILLET, dated 1949, on the Rouge label (Baton Rouge, La.).Here it is:
The only other record I know on Rouge is by Joe Turner (# 105), dated 1949. So this Louis Millet (note his complete forname) record predates the cuts he had on Feature (see above). Same band noted. Both sides are plaintive Hillbilly weepers. Hear them below. Thanks to J. Gary Oprendek. If anyone can shed some more light on this issue, please let me know!
Louis Millet - When I'm out Honky-Tonkin' With You (Feature) [ 2:04 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Louis Millet and the Melody Ramblers - Yesterdays Memories (Rouge 103A) [ 2:40 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Louis Millet and Ray - I Saw Them Lay Mother Away (Rouge 103B) [ 2:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
arkansas 45s
Hi I got a Lou Millet 78rpm record from the 1950’s that was my father’s. I would like to know what year it was published. I cant find anything on it on the internet. It was released by Rouge records (Baton Rouge, LA). the tracks are:
A.) Yesterday’s Memories
B.) I Saw Them Lay Mother Away
Can you give me any info on it? shoot me an email. thanks
Lou was Sales Manager of WYNK, Baton Rouge, in the mid 60’s. He was later GM of WLUX, it’s competitor in Baton Rouge. In the late 60’s Lou became GM of WLBI, Denham Springs, just E of Baton Rouge, where he was a part-owner. JD Miller put his and another name on That’s Me Without You, Lou actually wrote it.
Freddie Hart came to visit one afternoon at WYNK, I sat and listened for hours as Lou and him talked about the old days with Lefty. One additional tidbit, Lou was a Bishop in the Mormon church. That’s a much lower level than a Bishop in Catholic or other religions, Lou had a couple congregations he looked after.
Lou was a good man who, like so many, was used and abused by the music industry. He deserved better.
My dad, Bobbie Buford (Sr)used to take me to see Lou Millet’s band, down in « dixie » as I recall, and I sang with them now and then when I was just a kid; Usually a lot of Hank Williams tunes like Jambalya etc. But it made a big impression on me at the time and was actually the beginning of my musical career. Great to see that this information about Lou is available on the web. ~Bob