Background

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Piqua is a city in western Ohio, and it serves as one of the main communities in Miami County. The area has a rich history tied to early Native American settlements, the Miami and Erie Canal, and later, industrial development. Today, Piqua is known for its vibrant downtown, historic sites, and, of course, its colorful murals that celebrate the city’s heritage and community spirit.

The Mills Brothers were a groundbreaking American jazz and pop vocal group active for decades.

The Mills Brothers were a legendary family vocal group that started performing in the late 1920s and became one of the most influential acts in American music history. Originally from Piqua, Ohio, the group was made up of four brothers—John Jr., Herbert, Harry, and Donald Mills. They were known for their smooth harmonies and their unique ability to mimic musical instruments with their voices, a novelty that set them apart in the early days of radio and recording.

Their career took off after a successful audition at a Cincinnati radio station, leading to national exposure and a recording contract. The Mills Brothers became the first African American artists to have their own national radio show and to perform for a wide, integrated audience. Over their long career, they recorded more than 2,000 songs and sold over 50 million records. Some of their most famous hits include “Paper Doll,” “Glow Worm,” and “You Always Hurt the One You Love.”

The group’s sound evolved with the times, moving from jazz and swing to pop standards, but their tight vocal blend and innovative style remained constant. The Mills Brothers’ influence can be heard in countless vocal groups that followed, and their music still resonates with fans of classic American jazz and pop.

Impression

As the summary states, Piqua does have a vibrant and architecturally diverse downtown. While a smaller city, if comparing it to Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati or Cleveland – it mixes small town charm with the amenities of a much larger city.

The 2 murals above really stood out and were fun to walk around and capture. The Piqua Public Library has some really cool architectural features and should be seen in person to get the full effect of its awesomeness!

If you are wanting to travel to some places that are north of Springfield and Urbana, this is a good destination to hit.