Christian music industry leader Dottie Leonard Miller dies at age 79

The Christian music world is mourning this week amid news that one of its pioneering leaders has passed away.

As Music Row reports, Dorothy “Dotti” Leonard Miller died Friday at the age of 79, leaving a long legacy as founder and CEO of Daywind Music Group as well as New Day Christian Distributors.

Storied career remembered

A force to be reckoned with in the Christian music industry, Miller was a member of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the artists with whom she worked have received a host of honors and awards, including Grammy nominations, BMI Christian Music Awards, and more.

Miller's career trajectory was unusual in that she did not venture into the music world until later in life, after time spent working in law and accounting offices and as a sales representative and later as a campaign staffer to Tennessee Sen. Jim Sasser and President Jimmy Carter.

Eventually, she accepted a receptionist role at Calvary Records in Nashville, a role that marked the beginning of a new professional path.

After helping promote a series of Christian groups in conjunction with radio stations and bookstores, Miller launched New Day Christian Distributors in 1981, which developed a reputation as a clearinghouse for labels and individual artists in the genre.

Eager to branch out into producing content of her own, Miller founded Day Wind Soundtracks, further diversifying her reach in the Christian music world and allowing her to collaborate with some of the best-known acts in Gospel music.

Tributes pour in

As the Christian Beat reported, as news of her passing began to spread, tributes for Miller began to pour in, with Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision stating, “For the more than forty years of our friendship, Dottie was a champion for our genre's music. She was a pioneer in her field, and she was passionate about her mission to get The Gospel to as many people as possible.”

He went on, “I will miss her enthusiasm and our conversations, which always included lots of laughter. My friend is with The Lord, but we WILL meet again, soon!”

A statement issued by The Isaacs declared, “We can only imagine the reunion our beloved 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 is no doubt smiling with her because of the incredible heavenly choir she helped ensure with her eartlhy faithfulness.”

Affirming the Christian approach Miller took when it came to running her business, Jospeh Habedank recalled, “I've been with Daywind Records for over 20 years, and I'll never forget Dottie taking a chance on signing me after I got out of rehab, and I was only six months clean and sober. She will be truly missed.”

Miller leaves behind a family that includes daughter Susan, son Ed, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a sister, her longtime companion, and a world of grateful musicians and colleagues who benefitted from her presence in their lives.