The late dynamic music promoter and celebrity agent , Harry M. Miller, who died recently at the age of 84, was a smooth operator , never lost for a word . There was , however, one occasion this blog knows of when he was left momentarily open mouthed . It was at a function in Sydney's Wentworth Hotel where he gave a stirring talk on how to become a success to Junior Chamber of Commerce types , the organisation clearly indicating it consisted of young men keen to climb the corporate ladder, become cogs in the world of commerce .
A reporter was sent along to sit in on the talk but told not to worry about writing anything unless there was something really interesting . Enjoy the usually good spread provided by the Wentworth , he was told .
Salivating , the scribe made his way to the Wentworth , sat near the front of a fairly large gathering , not far from the enticing refreshments , and heard Harry deliver a slick speech, which ended with him asking all those present who wanted to be a success in business to rise .
En masse, all the JC types stood up... but not the reporter . Miller and the aspiring corporate throng , stared in shock at he who was on his derriere , as if a leper . "Don't you want to be a success ?" Harry demanded .
The toothy gentleman of the Press explained he was a reporter , being independent , impartial . As we all know , he was really only there to become a glutton .
Born in Auckland , New Zealand of Jewish parents, Miller became a big cheese in the entertainment and promotion fields, handling Judy Garland , the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys , Sonny and Cher. His fame spread with the great musicals Hair , starring Marcia Hines, and Jesus Christ Superstar .
He handled Lindy Chamberlain and the sale of her story after she was released from prison , wrongly sentenced over the disappearance of her daughter Azaria at Ayers Rock , the child's death officially attributed to a dingo .
