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Milton Quackenbush
Entertainer/musician
Milton is a native of Houston, Texas. He has performed for well over a million people in “live” audiences, and tens of millions in television performances.
Milton is a polished entertainer, who embraces many styles of music. A versatile musician, he is equally comfortable performing solo piano, or playing in a big band.
MORE HIGHLIGHTS OF MILTON'S CAREER
He has played with many of America's top country stars, including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Mel Tillis and Billie Jo Spears.
He is an accomplished Dixieland piano player. Milton has also performed at the world famous Sacramento Jazz Festival and was honored to back renowned Dixieland Cornet players, Wild Bill Davidson and Gary Church.
He also starred in a Broadway musical, showcasing his singing and acting ability, along with his prowess on piano, piano accordion and saxophone.
A major highlight of his career was playing solo piano for a private party given by Jerry Lewis which included such guests as Andy Williams and Tony Orlando.
Milton has worked in almost every state in the USA performing as a solo pianist in clubs, lounges, hotel lobbies, restaurants, showrooms and casinos.
Since migrating to Australia in late 2006. Milton has performed in the main showroom at the Burswood Casino at the Toodyay Jazz Festival and with many of Perth's top Dixieland jazz bands.
Re: Steel Guitar
"I've always loved the steel guitar and roomed with Terry Bethel when we were both on the road with Mel Tillis. One long stint out, Terry brought along a spare guitar to practice on, which he set this up in our room. I couldn't leave it alone and Terry had to kick me off to practice. When we got back to Branson he told PJ. "You've got to buy that boy a steel guitar. He's got the desire to play it and he will be a good player." So we bought a Zum Student model which I loved.
After talking to Joe Wright, I decided to try the universal tuning and bought a 12 string Zum from him (complete with dings from a few uncaught bar tosses, from back in his Charlie Pride days) I had it for a couple of years and like the concept of the E9th and B6th tunings.
Then one day Dick Miller called to see if I'd like to buy his double neck Bethel that he'd built himself as he had decided to give up playing. I did this and it meant I could practice on Terry's on the road as they were the same set up.
With a little help from Terry, Russ Weaver and Roger Blevins, I got my chops up and player a couple of Branson conventions.
With a Career spanning over 40 years, Milton is an experienced entertainer who moved to Perth Australia in July 2006.
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