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Photo Jack Miller’s Food Products

Kermit followed in his father’s footsteps in other areas. He is a member of Vietnam Veterans Association, holds a Paul Harris Fellowship in the Rotary Club, is a member of the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce and is a lecturer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Kermit’s community service endeavors were honored when he was named Ville Platte Man of the Year in 1977 and Colonel Cotton in 1991. On May 27, 2004, Kermit Miller, president and general manager of American Inn/Jack Miller Food Products, was presented the 2004 Lantern Award for Agribusiness/Food Technology by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Louisiana Economic Development. The presentation was made at the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge. Kermit exhibits pride and admiration when discussing his father’s business. “It is amazing how my father started a business with so little and became a success. He always did the right thing at the right time, and he had the personality to market his product,” shared Kermit. Over the years, Kermit and Sheila have attended numerous food shows to remain in contact with customers. Other family members have worked at Jack Miller Foods Product Plant at various times. In recent years a third-generation family member, Kermit and Sheila’s son, Christian, has joined his parents at the barbecue sauce plant. Maybe some new products will be offered, too. Yes, the third generation of Millers is now making barbecue sauce.

JOLE BLON ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT “’Jolie Blonde,’ rendered in various ways—’Jolie Blonde,’ ‘Jolie Blond,’ and ‘Jole Blon’—is perhaps the most famous Cajun song. Originating as a folk melody in French Louisiana, this iconic waltz captures the essence of Cajun culture and is considered the ‘Cajun National Anthem.’” Swamp Pop enjoyed peak popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s but continues to have a dedicated following and influence on contemporary artists. MY TOOT TOOT ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT In 1985, the late Rockin’ Sidney Simien, a native of Lebeau, Louisiana, recorded “My Toot Toot,” introducing the world to zydeco, a vibrant South Louisiana Creole accordion dance music. The song, produced at Floyd Soileau’s Maison de Soul studio in Ville Platte, quickly became a multi-million selling international sensation. It won a Grammy in 1985 for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording. Maison de Soul is one of four record labels under Soileau’s Flat Town Music .

40 ROUSES SUMMER 2024