Dorothy “Dottie” Leonard Millera business executive who founded several major gospel and Christian music labels during a decades-long career, died Friday (Oct. 11) at age 79.
After founding her own distribution company, New Day Christian Distributors, in 1981, Miller went on to build a veritable empire in the religious music industry, with later ventures including DayWind Soundtracks, DayWind Records, DayWind Music Publishing, two recording studios and a cassette and CD manufacturing. More recently, it has expanded into DayWind Worship (choir music), Spiritus Distribution (Catholic products), Billy Blue Records (bluegrass), Billy Jam Records (country and Americana), Billy Blue Publishing, and the DayWind Music Foundation, which provides an online radio station focused on Southern Gospel.
“Dottie was a visionary, a pioneer, she was determined, humble and generous,” he said. Rick Sheltonvp of DayWind Publishing, in a statement. “Serving her vision, her artists, her songwriters and the industry she loved was a tremendous honor. What she did in her life touched the lives of so many.”
In her various musical ventures, Miller has collaborated with a list of gospel and Christian artists, including the Cumberland Boys, Greater Vision, The Crabb Family, Karen Peck and New River, Brian Free and Assurance, The Isaacs, Triumphant Quartet, Down East Boys , the Perrys, the Hoppers, Jonathan Wilburn, the Steeles, the Nelons, Lefevre Quartet, Michael English, Appalachian Road Show, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Carolina Blue, Kristy Cox and Grasstime, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, and Bob Miner.
Miller's success has earned her a number of awards over the years, including lifetime achievement awards from the Gospel Music Association, BMI and the Southern Gospel Music Guild. He was also inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
“Dottie Leonard's story is one of a woman of vision, faith and courage to make a difference,” she said. Patio fireplacepresident of the Gospel Music Association, in a statement. “Her work and perseverance will forever be remembered, as will her legacy as a single mother, founder of Daywind Records and New Day Distribution, and member of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. On behalf of the GMA Board of Directors and the entire gospel music community, we say goodbye to Dottie and extend our deepest condolences to her family as she has now received her greatest reward.”
Born Aug. 10, 1945, in Wilmington, Del., Miller's early jobs included offices at an accounting firm and a law firm, selling Jhirmack hair products and working for the Tennessee Democratic Party on campaigns for Sen. Jim Sasser, the incumbent Jimmy. Carter and others. As a single mother of two in Hendersonville, Tenn., she made it through this early period by working a second job in ER admissions at a local hospital.
Miller's first job in the music industry came when she was hired as a receptionist at Calvary Records in Nashville. He continued to work with radio stations and Christian bookstores promoting artists including the Hinsons and the Telestials. She later took a job at Windchime Records, where she worked with artists including the Paynes and Heavenbound before founding New Day with funding from her father, her brother Bill Golt and family friend Ray Lorrig.
In addition to family, colleagues, friends and artists, Miller enjoyed spending time in Florida and at her cabin in Lafayette, Tenn., where she had alpacas, donkeys and goats. Her travels have taken her all over the US, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.
Miller is survived by her daughter, Susan Leonard Sovine, and her grandchildren Taylor McKellar and Kennedy Sovine. her son, Ed Leonard, his wife Kathleen and their children Eddie Leonard, Mary Leonard, Evan Leonard, Aidan Leonard (Caroline Leonard), Rachael Zuckett (Joey Zuckett), Caroline Leonard, Ian Leonard, Liam Leonard and Emily Leonard; her great-grandchildren Leo Zuckett and Eloise Joyce; her sister, Cynthia Paranczak; and her longtime partner, Jere Miller. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Golt, and her parents, William and Dorothy Golt.
A celebration of Miller's life will be held at a later date.
You can read more tributes to Miller below.
“For more than forty years of our friendship, Dottie has been a champion for our kind of Music. She was a pioneer in her field and was passionate about her mission to bring the Gospel to as many people as possible. I will miss her enthusiasm and our conversations, which always included lots of laughter. My friend is with the Lord, but we shall meet again, soon!” – Gerald WolfeBigger Vision
“Dottie was one of my biggest heroes and influences. He hit the trail for many of us in Southern Gospel Music. I love that she always trusted the Lord in fulfilling her dreams of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world. These dreams came true. He is now reaping the harvest of the many souls he touched for the cause of Christ. I love and appreciate Dottie more than words can express. She will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on forever.” – Karen Peck-GoochKaren Peck & New River
“Almost 30 years ago I met a wonderful, intelligent, classy lady named Dottie. He had the ability to make you smile even when you didn't necessarily think so. She lit up a room the moment she walked in, no matter who else was there. She also showed the world that she was a shrewd businesswoman by starting the best record label in the world. I will miss you Dottie and so will many other people, but I am glad you are no longer in pain. I will never forget your smile.” – Brian FreeBrian Free & Assurance
“I have been with Daywind Records for over 20 years. I'll never forget Dottie taking the opportunity to sign me up after I got out of rehab and was only six months clean and sober. She will be truly missed” – Joseph Habedank
“She was a pioneer in a world where business was run by men. She was an incredibly strong woman. It gave many families hope and jobs. Nothing obstructed her vision. On a personal note, our family has been part of Daywind for over 25 years. We love Dottie. When Shellye and I were first married, we did whatever we could to make ends meet. Dottie would give us her apartment to vacation in. Dottie was special to all of us. She will forever be a miss. BUT can you imagine what he is doing right now? Time passes. We wouldn't bring her back for anything. Dottie, enjoy it. You told everyone. You helped everyone tell others about it. Welcome to the kingdom.” – Jason Crump
“We can only imagine the reunion our dear friend Dottie is having with so many artists she helped and loved along the way. She is home and at perfect peace with her Savior, who no doubt smiles with her because of the incredible heavenly choir she helped secure with her earthly faith. We will join them one day and finally we will all feel complete. Dottie, you are so loved and will be so missed.” – The Isaacs
“The beautiful Dottie Leonard took her flight like a mighty eagle. What an extraordinary woman of faith, wisdom, foresight, courage and excellence. paved the way for so many of us! She was a true fan of Gospel Music and believed it was her lifelong calling to ensure that the great gifts within us were celebrated and given on global platforms. On a personal note…. she was/is a dear friend whose legacy will live on forever. He was a treasure trove of encouragement. We didn't “lose” her… we know exactly where she is! Give Mama Dottie Rambo a hug from me. I love you so much… see you at The House.” – Reba Rambo
“Dottie was one of the most respected and admired people in Southern Gospel music and beyond! Her work ethic was what one should strive to emulate. Prized here, rewarded on the shore of Heaven!' – Doyle Lawson
“We will always remember Dottie as a sweet, devoted woman of God who changed the world with her love of gospel music and will be forever grateful for the gift of her encouragement in our lives.” – Jim and Melissa Brady
“I met Dottie over 30 years ago and knew then that I had met a 'lifetime friend'. She was a friend, a business partner and a great advisor. Life became sweeter because of her love for me. I will meet her again because of our faith in the savior, Jesus Christ.” – Jonathan Wilburn
“If it weren't for Dottie Leonard Miller, you would never have heard a song I'd written, a track I'd produced, or an arrangement I'd created. He believed in me when others didn't. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. He gave us the truest example of how faith works in motion. And now her faith became sight. I'm heartbroken, but I know I'll find her again.” – Wayne Hawn
“Dottie Leonard Miller was not just a trailblazer. was a pioneer with a heart full of faith and vision who reshaped the landscape of southern gospel music and the Christian bookstore industry. Through Daywind Records and New Day Christian Distribution, he has brought light and hope to so many, empowering artists, songwriters, bookstores, publishers, record labels and touching countless lives. Her legacy is an unwavering devotion and belief in the power of the Gospel to change hearts. We have lost a true giant and a dear friend, but her spirit will continue to inspire us every day.” — Dusty WellsDirector of A&R and Label Relations, Daywind Music Group
“Dottie Leonard Miller was a true inspiration and encouragement to many in this country and around the world. Her love for others and her leadership through Gospel Music will continue to impact lives for decades to come.” – Gary CastoTribute Quartet
“Dottie was a visionary and a pioneer. People with this gift and calling are different, often challenged and sometimes misunderstood, but fiercely committed to allowing the dream within them to manifest in the physical realm. Dottie's devotion to this dream and its subsequent value will only be fully recognized in eternity. The music he championed resonates not only on earth but in heaven, and countless lives have been changed, hearts encouraged and burdens lightened by the message of the resources provided by New Day Distribution and Daywind Records. Thank you, Dottie, for being faithful to God's calling on your life. We are all blessed by the fruit you have borne and your faith to never give up.” – Billy BlackwoodBrothers Blackwood Quartet
“Dottie Leonard Miller's passion for music was unmatched. And, her vision and her God-given ability to use the power of this music to reach people in a positive way through the companies she has created, has literally impacted millions of lives during her long and illustrious career. She was easily one of the strongest women and most faithful servants of God I have ever known. She was so proud of our Daywind, New Day and Billy Blue family, and loved and appreciated every artist and member of our family. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will be honored by continuing to spread the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ through the music and products we create.” – Jerry SalleyA&R/Creative Director, Billy Blue Records
