Manager of tours for Casting Crowns and TobyMac ‘left an indelible mark’ on gospel music

Christian music pioneer Norman Miller died of cancer Dec. 3. He was 69.

Founder of Nashville-based Proper Management, Miller worked in Christian music for 50 years, founding the groups ZOEgirl, Avalon, Jump5 and PureNRG, and managing tours for Casting Crowns, Nichole Nordeman, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Sandi Patty, Steven Curtis Chapman and many other artists. 

On Casting Crowns’ Facebook page, the band said Miller “was a hero for Christian music and us.” 

“Norman lived a life fueled by his passion for his faith, his deep love for his family and his care for his friends,” the group said. “He also was renowned for his indelible impact on the Christian music industry. Norman was a creative visionary who was constantly focused on increasing the quality of compelling and engaging ministry. His legacy will continue to effect countless lives through the eternal message of the artists he dearly loved and faithfully served.

“Norman’s loss is immeasurable and we are all humbled, honored and blessed to have known him as a respected leader and a loyal friend,” Casting Crowns added. “We ask that you lift Norman’s wife and children in your prayers during this difficult time. Norman was our close friend and manager for 10 years. We will miss him dearly.”

Gospel Music Association (GMA) Executive Director Jackie Patillo told Christian Retailing that Miller “left an indelible mark on the Christian music industry in ways that will never be forgotten.” 

GMA recognized him and Proper Management with the Lifetime Achievement Award last year. 

“Norman will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to light a path for all who are called to share the gospel through music,” Patillo said. 

Greg Bays, senior vice president, sales and marketing for EMI CMG Distribution, agreed. 

“I met Norman shortly after joining the company in 1992 and worked with him more closely during my time in our label group—2000-2004—through today,” he said. “Norman left an indelible mark on our industry and on all of us who had the chance to work alongside him and call him our friend. 

“I will always remember him for his leadership, creativity and innovation, as well as his humor, integrity and faith,” Bays added. “I will miss his welcoming smile, genuine kindness and passion for helping to grow the platform for his artists and for our industry to spread the gospel through music.”

A native of the U.K., Miller played in Christian bands there during his teens and early 20s, starting his own label in 1970. It was later acquired by Word Records. 

Miller became executive director of the Word Europe label from 1973 to 1983, promoting and producing tours throughout Europe featuring pioneering Christian artists such as Larry Norman, Andrae Crouch and 2nd Chapter of Acts.

In 1983, Miller moved to the United States, and started managing artists and producing tours. he is survived by his wife, Debbie, and two children. A memorial service was held Dec. 10 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tenn.

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