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At 82 years of age, most people would be settled down into their twilight years or in a nursing home. But legendary gospel music broadcaster Earnie Miles is still going strong, after celebrating his 30th anniversary as the host of the hugely popular Sunday morning gospel music program, “The Earnie Miles Show” on KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana. There are no indications that this “Man for All Seasons” will be slowing down any time soon.
Earnie Miles is a household name in Northeast Louisiana, having welcomed more than 1,626 artists on his show, who have performed more than 2,798 songs on 1, 560 shows over the last 30 years. He also provided various churches and other local organizations with free publicity on his gospel TV show, with more than 13,000 announcements made on their behalf. Sure, the numbers are staggering, but his contributions at Grambling State University and various humanitarian causes across the globe are just as noteworthy.
For a person to give thirty years of their life to something that he has a passion for, and do it well, is quite an achievement. That is what can be said of Earnie Miles, who has given countless performers an opportunity to showcase their talents and started them on a professional music career. Miles told me how he got started in his career, what drove him to excellence, and discussed the innumerable people whose legacies he helped shape-- such as legendary Grambling football coach Eddie Robinson.
Everywhere that Grambling State University’s legendary football coach, Eddie Robinson, and the school’s marching band would go--fromt Yankee Stadium in New York City to Tokyo, Japan--Earnie Miles would be there filiming. Miles produced TV documentaries chronicling this prestigious university, most notably; “Pay the Price.” Miles’ filming of the Grambling football team and their Marching Tigers’ band contributed to this marching band being the only band voted into the NCAA Hall of Fame. Also, while at Grambling in 1973, Mr. Miles produced the documentary; “Give the People What They Want,” which aired on 117 television stations throughout Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tokyo, Japan. This trailblazer was the first recipient of the Grambling State University “Drum Major Award” for his contributions to humanity in general and to the African American community.
The Gloryland Pastor’s Choir of North Little Rock, Arkansas appeared on the Earnie Miles Show, November 16, 2008, showcasing talents of children ages seven through 18. I am sure it was the highlight of their lives, and deservedly so, as they were described as “Something Special,” and recommended for consideration to perform before President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Committee.
As with many who have achieved something noteworthy in life, Miles started from humble beginnings. A native of Winnfield, Louisiana, he’s been a trailblazer opening doors for himself and others. In “The Earnie Miles Story,” by Billy Coleman, Miles is quoted as stating; “I don’t feel lucky to have my show, because it’s not my show. It’s the good Lord’s show and it allows regular everyday folk a place on television for the area to see us praise and worship the Lord and show our love and respect for Him for all that He does in our lives.”
Earl Casey, currently CNN’s Vice-President of Public Affairs, hired Earnie Miles at KNOE TV. He wanted Miles to become the Jackie Robinson of the news media, and he did. Miles became the first black news reporter at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana in 1972, in addition to serving as host of the “Earnie Miles Show” airing gospel music. Milese shared with me many anecdotes about his life, such as the “Branch Rickey” type speech that he was given when he was hired as the first black reporter at KNOE-TV.
Miles has been a man of many talents; a salesman, a humanitarian, an educator, an innovator, photographer, orator, television show host, philanthropist and news reporter. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Corporation, which provides counseling and housing development for citizens in the area. .
He was born May 3, 1927 in Clarence, Louisiana, and studied at Leland College, the same college where Grambling State University football coach Eddie Robinson had attended. He received a degree in Social Studies from that institution, before going on to work as a teacher at Pinecrest High School in Winnfield, Louisiana for seven years, then spending the next 12 years as a photographer for Nolan Marshall Enterprise and Grambling later on. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. During this career, Earnie and his wife Clara, raised four children and they are the grandparents of many more.
Miles has had a lifetime of notable accomplishments and achievements, which continues each day. He has produced twenty-five (25) Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) featuring University graduates from around the country, which have aired on television stations throughout the South. He has been very active in humanitarian missions as well; he once raised over $35,000.00 in just three weeks to assist with helping save lives in Africa. C.A.R.E. was so impressed with Miles fundraising and passion for the cause that they sent him on a trip to Africa. Yet when I talked to him about his many legendary achievements in life, he reacted as if these are just everyday accomplishments. Earnie Miles truly is “A Man for All Seasons.”
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Hello! I know this is kinda
" Earnie Miles, A Man for All Seasons"
Alton Bell, Jr., a former student of Earnie Miles, had great admiration and praise for what Earnie Miles contributed to his life, and others.
Mr. Miles has a great
I truly enjoyed the article about Earnie Miles. Not only is he a legend, but he opened doors for so many to walk through and obtain opportunities they may otherwise not have gotten. He is a great credit to his heritage, and is a role model for many. I salute Earnie Miles for being a forerunner in Gospel Music; for his legacy shall live on for generations to come.
Wow, what a rich history this Earnie Miles has. Not only is he spreading the word of the Lord through his Gospel music program, but he is allowing others a platform to showcase their talents. What a great humanitarian he is by giving of his time and resources so unselfishly. Still he remains humble about all of his accomplishments. Thanks for sharing his story with us
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Knowing something about Gospel Music
Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 17:07
As Gladys sings in the church choir of Bethel A.M.E. in San Diego, and knows something about Gospel Music, her comments in regard to Earnie Miles' accomplishments are noteworthy, and greatly appreciated.
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Earnie Miles - A Legend in Our Times!
Submitted by bj on Sun, 11/08/2009 - 22:04
I loved the article on Earnie Miles. His legacy will live on for decades and the lives that he has touched will reach down through the generations and continue to change lives. I am a true believer in "giving roses while we still live". My mother was a prime example of the story of the pebble being thrown into the water and the ripples that result extend and continue far beyond the point where the pebble entered the water. I salute Mr. Earnie Miles and commend you for bringing this legacy to light. The more we edify the accomplishments of our people, the youth will have hope and dream again.
I look forward to reading your next series of articles on the awesome man.
Submitted by: Belinda Wiggins
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Earnie Miles, A Man For All Seasons
Submitted by milesjr4 on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 21:58
After reading the article that Dennis wrote on my Father, I was excited by what I read. All through the years my Dad has devoted his life to The Earnie Miles Show, I don't think he even realizes what a major life changing role his show has played in many lives. Dennis, thank you and Dad's friend John for putting this article together. It was very touching. I've watched my Dad give of himself in so many different ways to The Earnie Miles Show, so many tireless hours of work involved in keeping it something he has been proud of. Even at the age of 82 he doesn't miss a day that he is not working to make it better in some way, looking for the best local talent and talent throughout the Arkansas, Louisiana,and Mississippi viewing area. Uncountable hours on the road traveling to different churches talking with so many Choir Directors and Pastors just to keep singers on the show. It has been quite a burden to bear, but one my Dad even at his age he still readily accepts. Again I want to thank you Dennis for this article, thank you for recognizing that the body of work that my Father has done is noteworthy. In closing I'm overjoyed to know that you deemed it worthy of a such great effort on your part to get his story out there. The many years of spreading good old Gospel Music by Earnie Miles through The Earnie Miles Show will live on through writings such as this. Thank you - From a very proud son, Earnie Miles Jr.
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Condolences to the Earnie Miles Family
Submitted by Dennis on Sat, 11/14/2009 - 18:50
I want to extend my condolences to the Earnie Miles Family, for his dear friend, John Samuel, called me last night to inform me of the sudden and untimely death of Earnie Miles' son, Earnie Miles, Jr. Clearly, from reading Earnie Miles, Jr.'s comments to my article on his father, he was very proud of his dad.
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Being proud of Dad's achievements!
Submitted by Dennis on Thu, 11/05/2009 - 21:57
Of course, everyone wants to be proud of the achievements of their dad. Earnie Miles, Jr. has been given ample reason to be proud of his dad's achievements, and those achievements continues daily. I submitted a proposal today to the producers of the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago, my hometown, to produce an Earnie Miles "This is your Life" show, with the thought of some of Earnie Miles' former students and co-workers giving a testament to his achievements.
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Submitted by Jimi Emmons on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 20:11
What a great story Dennis, sound like Mr.Miles is a strong pillar in his community, but thanks now to your well written article on Mr.Miles, his story has the chance to inspire many more in society at large. Thank you Dennis for your passion to genuinely connect communities.
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Let Me Exhort You!
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 21:16
I see a connection in Earnie Miles and Jimi Emmons, in that they both love the Lord, and it shows through their works. Earnie Miles' love of the Lord clearly comes through each Sunday on his Gospel Music TV show in Monroe, Louisiana, when he affords many an entertainer the opportunity to Praise the Lord through song. Mr. Emmons, whom I had the pleasure to attend a book signing for his book; "Let Me Exhort You!", shows his Love of the Lord through each of his 365 Inspired Stand Alone Statements in his book. One example is Statement #132, which states; "Thank God for every opportunity to give because every opportunity to give is an opportunity to worship." That is exactly what Earnie Miles is saying through his Gospel Music TV show on KNOE-TV.
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Submitted by Jimi Emmons on Mon, 11/09/2009 - 08:35
Dennis I really appreciated you attending my book signing at the Chicago Height Public Library when you were in Chicago, your presence played a big part in the suscess of that event. It's very honoring to have my name mentioned along side a man like Earnie Miles with all of his accomplishments. He reminds me a lot of my dad who will be 85 years old in a few short weeks. We can all benefit from both of these highly energetic and inspiring men if we are willing to listen and learn from them.STATEMENT #278 in my book "Let Me Exhort You" says
A Personal Benefit Only Benefits
When It's Personal Used.
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Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 18:39
Another statement from Jimi Emmons book; "Let Me Exhort You, 365 Inspired Stand Alone Statements," that could also be something that Earnie Mles could have stated on his Gospel Music TV show, is Statement # 102, which states; "Develop a voracious appetite for the things of God."
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"Let Me Exhort You"
Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 18:29
Statement #341, from Jimi Emmons' book, could very well be something that Earnie Miles would has said, as it states: "When Humanity Reaches Out To Touch His Creator, Heaven Is There To Respond With It's Own Touch."
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Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 17:16
In talking with the Yard Pastor at RJ Donovan Prison this past Saturday, he has indicated that he is receptive to having Jimi Emmons come out to the prison, and read excerpts from his book, "Let Me Exhort You," which, I am sure, Mr. Emmons will find a way to tie in or exhort the accomplishments of Earnie Miles.
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A Man for All Seasons
Submitted by vitawita on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 23:25
I really enjoyed Dennis Moore's article on Earnie Miles. It was a very informative and interesting article. I learned a lot that I didn't know and should know about Earnie Miles. Keep up the good work Dennis.
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A Man for All Seasons, Earnie Miles
Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 12:57
I was given some good material to work with. The Earnie Miles Story is a story of compassion and humanity, a story of a man of many and profound achievements.
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Submitted by Support Person on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 16:12
You are a true gift to the world. Your talent in tying communities together is amazing.
Earney Miles, A Man For All Seasons is a very good detailed story that has continuity with relative past story(s).
Congratulations on being able to displaying the full circle of your hard work.
God Bless Your Infinite Success
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Submitted by Dennis on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 13:12
These are very kind words about me, the writer, but it really is not about me, it is about Earnie Miles. I feel honored and blessed to get the opportunity to write about this legend. When I was approached by John Samuels to give some exposure to a man that has done so much for so many others, and I started doing my own research,I realized that The Earnie Miles Story needed to be told. It really is an honor to have this opportunity, and there is more yet to come.
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Submitted by jesuslover on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 22:02
You are a great writer Dennis I like this article. I look forward to being on Earnie miles show thats a awsome oppurtunity. He sounds great and God has used him to do so much. God bless Earnie Miles. I thank God for people like him and peolpe like u. Dennis u guys encourage me to keep doing Gods will for my life and family .Thanks keep up the GOD work. Much heavenly love SK GOD BLESS
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Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:26
Nothing would please me more, than to assist local San Diego Gospel/Rap/Hip Hop artist "SK" (Spiritual Knowledge) appearing on the Earnie Miles Gospel Music TV show, as it can do so much towards advancing his career. Earnie Miles has done so much for advancing the careers of Gospel Music entertainers.
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EARNIE MILES, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Submitted by SanDiegoBajan on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 20:42
Very informative story by Dennis Moore about Ernie Miles! I look forward to working with Dennis on this and other up coming projects! We at MearProduction/caribbeanvibes.org produces a variety of music during the week (Monday-Sunday from 6pm till 12am EST)Sunday is our special Gospel program from 8am-12noon EST, where our focuse is new artist along with known artist on the program. Through Dennis Moore, we have been playing and highlighting the music of a new artist by the name of SK (Spiritual Knowledge). We at MearProducitons are always looking for new musical talent to showcase on http://www.caribbeanvibes.org/mm1.php
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Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 17:01
With Nicolas "SK" Shivers having his Gospel/Rap/Hip Hop music being played and showcased on the internet radio site of Michael Ramsey's MEAR Productions, and being given consideration to have his music showcased on The Earnie Miles Gospel Music TV show, the sky is the limit to what SK can achieve. This is typical of Earnie Miles, giving young and upcoming performers an opportunity to showcase their talent. This is also typical of Michael Ramsey and MEAR Productions, looking for talent such as SK to broadcast over the internet, all over the world. As MEAR Productions also has a chat room and internet TV, I hope to find a way to merge the technologies of Earnie Miles' KNOE-TV with that of the internet radio, thereby gaining maximum exposure for entertainers and others.
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Submitted by jerone1 on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 10:52
MAY I OFFER MY FELICITATIONS TO THE COUNTY MAGAZINE, DENNIS MOORE, FOR GIVING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH OTHERS, MY COMMENTS AND FEELINGS OF ERNEST ‘DOC’ MILES?
AS I READ THE EARNIE (DOC) MILES’ DOCUMENTARY, I WAS ASTONISHED TO LEARN THAT HE HAD A DEGREE IN SOCIAL STUDIES, BECAUSE HE TAUGHT HIGH SCHOOL MATH AT PINECREST HIGH SCHOOL IN WINNFIELD, LOUISIANA. PRIOR TO MY FRESHMAN YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, I WAS VERY INQUESTIVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INSTRUCTOR, EARNIE (DOC) MILES’, WHO EVERYONE REFERRED TO AS ‘DOC’ MILES. DURING HIS TENURE AT PINECREST HIGH SERVING IN THE CAPACITY OF A MATH INSTRUCTOR, ONE YEAR ALONG, HE FLUNKED 59 STUDENTS, WHICH WAS A SCHOOL RECORD. LATER, “DOC” WAS SUMMONED TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE TO GIVE AN EXPLANATION FOR FAILING THESE STUDENTS:” PLAIN AND SIMPLE, THEY DID NOT PASS ANY OF MY TESTS.” WHEN ASKS BY THE PRINCIPAL TO PASS THE 59 STUDENTS, DOC SAID, “ONCE AGAIN, MY ANSWER TO YOUR PROPOSITION IS AN UNEQUIVOCAL AN ABSOLUTE ‘NO’; BECAUSE IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO OTHER STUDENTS WHO HAVE PASSED MY TESTS.” THAT WAS AN EYE OPENER FOR ME AND GOT MY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
DURING MY FRESHMAN YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, I TOOK ALGEBRA “1” UNDER ‘DOC’ MILES. IN HIS FIRST CLASS APPEARANCE, HE MADE IT VERY CLEAR AND SIMPLE TO EVERYONE: “IN MY CLASS, IT IS ALL WORK AND NO PLAY, AND I WILL FAIL ANYONE WHO DOESN’T PASS MY TESTS.” ONCE AGAIN, THAT GOT MY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. WELL, TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, I DID EXTREMELY WELL IN “DOC’S”ALGEBRA CLASS; AS A MATTER OF FACT, I DID SO WELL, HE HAD ME WORKING MATH PROBLEMS OUT OF AN ADVANCE ALGEBRA BOOK THAT HE USED IN COLLEGE. “DOC” MILE LEFT PINECREST HIGH SCHOOL AT THE END OF MY FRESHMAN YEAR. HAVING HAD A CALIBER INSTRUCTOR LIKE “DOC” MILES’ MAGNITUDE, WHICH ENABLED ME TO ADVANCE TO A HIGHER LEVEL IN ATTAINING MY COLLEGE DEGREE IN LIBERAL ART MATHEMATIC.
AS MY MENTOR, “DOC,” THANKS AGAIN FOR BEING INSTRUMENTAL IN PURSUIT OF MY “A DREAM COME TRUE.”
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Accolades for Earnie Miles
Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 22:40
Dr. Eversue Rhone has similar-such comments and accolades for Eaenie Miles as Earnies former student Jerone Reynolds, as does co-workers at KNOE-TV station, Cynthia Milledge and Renee Allen.
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Submitted by Dennis on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 14:20
Sometimes we tend to overlook the achievements and contributions of our elders, or those that have come before us, be it Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, or Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Earnie Miles fits that mold, but from the accumulated comments from his former students, and others that have been touched by his humanity, his achievements and contributions will not go unnoticed. Earnie Miles truly is a Man for All Seasons.
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The Earnie Miles Story
Submitted by Dennis on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 11:19
After talking with a former student of Earnie Miles, I can better understand why he is held in such high esteem by so many. Dr. Eversue Rhone, a former 8th grade math student of Mr. Miles, told me that Earnie Miles made a profound effect on her life. I received similar telephone comments from Renee Allen, an anchorperson at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana, and Cynthia Milledge, a reporter at the station.
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earnie miles a man for all seasons
Submitted by jsamuel@cox.net on Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:57
Let me quickly say without hesitation, the fact that I am very excited about the Earnie Miles Story. It is with great proud to acknowledge the fact that I am a small part of Mr. Miles Legacy. Be further advised that he is still a life time Role Model from the Class room to the Corporate world.
Secondly, may I express my thanks and appreciation to both Mr. Dennis Moore for taking the responsibility to write the Earnie Miles Story, and of course, the Executive Staff at the East County Magazine for making the huge note worthy decision to print.
John Samuel, San Diego,CA
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Earnie Miles is a Book waiting to happen
Submitted by Dennis on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 17:36
John, thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know, and write about Earnie Miles. The Earnie Miles Story is such a rich tapestry of humanity and selflessness, that I feel compelled to write a book about. The world needs to know the many lives that this humble man has touched and changed, and I feel honored to be given the opportunity. In the couple of months that I have been communicating with Mr. Miles, and doing independent research, it has dawned on me that Earnie is a living legend. I want to encourage any and everyone that has particular insight to contribute to a book about Mr. Miles, to share it with me.
Contracts & Agency, LLC
1245 Market Street, Suite 1435
San Diego, CA 92101
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Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 20:41
Caribbean Vibes, an internet radio site, owned by Michael Ramsey and MEAR Productions, has played and showcased the music and talents of Nicolas "SK" Shivers. The plan is to have SK and MEAR Productions collaborate with the Earnie Miles Gospel Music TV show, in an even bigger production, that could possibly include Chicago Gospel Music artist Malcolm Williams. Caribbean Vibes and MEAR Productions conducts a Sunday Gospel Music show based out of San Diego at 3PM on Sundays, where you can hear music performed by SK, Malcolm Williams, Marvin Sapp, and the types performed on the Earnie Miles Gospel Music TV show.
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A Man For All Seasons
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 10/16/2009 - 09:52
In further consideration of Nicolas "SK" Shivers appearing and performing his Gospel/Rap/Hip Hop music on the Earnie Miles' Gospel Music TV show, there is the thought and idea of SK collaborating with Chicago Gospel Artist Malcolm Williams. I am currently in Chicago and plan on talking with Malcolm to make it happen. This would certainly be a boost to the career of San Diego East County resident Nicolas "SK" Shivers, and would add to the overall profile and exposure of Earnie Miles.