Song:From A Jack To A King
Album:The Golden Age of American Rock 'N' Roll: Special Country Edition
From A Jack To A King was a major crossover hit in 1962. Ned Miller is mainly known for the one song. But he had a few smaller hits in the 60s and he was a successful songwriter. He was born Apr. 12, 1925 in Raines, UT. He started writing and performing as a teen. After a stint in The Marines, he moved to California to become a songwriter. He got his first big break when his song Dark Moon was a top five pop hit for Gale Storm and a top five country hit for Bonnie Guitar in 1956. He also wrote A Falling Star for Jimmy C. Newman. Bonnie Guitar recorded for Fabor Records. This label was owned by Fabor Robison. Robison started out as a talent agent and manager in the country music field for Johnny Horton. He wasn't in Nashville. He lived in California. So he had a recording studio there and he signed Ned Miller in 1957. From A Jack To A King was released in 1957 but went nowhere. After a few more singles, Miller left Fabor for Capitol. He wasn't doing any better there. So he went back to Fabor and asked Robison to re-release From A Jack To A King in 1962. It was a major hit and reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Country Singles chart. It's strange that a reissue of an obscure song would become a hit. One never knows what can happen in the music business. Robison sold Miller's contract and all his recordings to Capitol in 1964. Miller charted a few more times but retired from music in 1970 because he suffered from stage fright and didn't like touring. He lives in Las Vegas probably living off of royalties. Ricky Van Shelton topped the country charts with his cover of From A Jack To A King in 1988. Bear Family released a Ned Miller comp that is now out of print. But I like this various artists comp from Ace Records that puts the spotlight on country songs that crossed over to the pop charts. Here's a video for From A Jack To A King by Ned Miller.
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