Bernie Milton

Bernie Milton, a musician and notable Ithaca, New York, USA, community member, was born in 1942, died 2002. His mother, Agnes Milton, was a graduate of Ithaca College, and while he was growing up she taught local children how to play the piano. From an early age Bernie was exposed to the musical scene and, it inevitably rubbed off on him; his mother decided she would introduce him to the music world by taking him to sing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem when he was just eleven. He sang one of Elvis Presley’s hits, “I Got a Woman.” Milton signed his first recording contract in 1960 “and had a regional hit, ‘The Waddle’ in 1962. He led several bands though the 60s, 70s and 80s; such as Bernie and the Cavaliers, Bernie Milton and the Soul Patrol, and the Bernie Milton Experience, all of which toured up and down the East coast.” Bernie was well established as a local musician when he joined the WICB air staff in 1983. He was approached by the student management of the station about doing the show “Looking Back” and he agreed. Every Friday, Bernie shared his love of soul rhythm & blues and Motown music with the central New York radio audience. “His unique on-air style was simultaneously laid back and enthusiastic,” said Wheatley. Today Bernie Milton’s nephew, Ricky Milton, continues to do the show in his memory each Friday. Milton first became popular with the Cornell community as early as the late 1950’s, and became especially prominent at fraternity dances during turbulent late 60’s, into the 70’s. During the 80’s he began performing at Cornell Reunions, as some of those classes returned for Reunion Weekend.