Starting in 1947, J.D. Miller built a recording studio in his house in Crowley and began capturing Louisiana music with an ear for what made it different. By 1957 he had discovered swamp blues — producing Lightnin' Slim, Slim Harpo, and Lazy Lester for Nashville's Excello Records in a partnership that defined an entire genre. Slim Harpo's 'I'm a King Bee' became a regional hit; the Rolling Stones covered it on their debut album in 1963. 'Baby Scratch My Back' hit #1 on the R&B chart in 1966. The Moody Blues named themselves after a Slim Harpo instrumental. ZZ Top built 'La Grange' on a 'Shake Your Hips' riff. All of it traced back to a studio in a rice town in southwest Louisiana. In 1967 Miller built MasterTrak — a dedicated facility his sons operated after him. John Fogerty came in 1985. Paul Simon in 1986. The studio is still open. The museum of Miller's recordings and equipment is now inside Crowley's downtown Ford Building.
- ·Starting in 1947, J.D. Miller built a recording studio in his Crowley house and began capturing Louisiana music with an ear for what made it different.
- ·By 1957 he had discovered swamp blues — producing Lightnin' Slim, Slim Harpo, and Lazy Lester for Nashville's Excello Records.
- ·Slim Harpo's 'I'm a King Bee' was covered by the Rolling Stones on their debut album in 1963.
- ·The Moody Blues named themselves after a Slim Harpo instrumental; ZZ Top built 'La Grange' on a 'Shake Your Hips' riff.
- ·In 1967 Miller built MasterTrak — John Fogerty recorded here in 1985, Paul Simon in 1986.
- ·The museum of Miller's recordings and equipment is inside Crowley's downtown Ford Building.
Memories
Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.