Don Miller, one of the original members of the Vogues singing group that came to prominence in the 1960s with such songs as “Five O’Clock World” and “You’re the One,” died January 11, 2021. Word of his passing at age 80 had been the subject on several internet music forums for several days and was confirmed by his family today (Jan. 15). No cause of death was listed though his death notice indicated that it was unexpected.

The Vogues were initially formed in 1958 as the Vel-Aires by high school friends Bill Burkette (the baritone lead singer), tenors Hugh Geyer and Chuck Blasko, and Miller, also a baritone, in the Pittsburgh, Penn., suburb of Turtle Creek. Their first recording, with producer Nick Cenci, was a cover of the Petula Clark song, “You’re the One.” The single received national distribution and climbed the charts, reaching #4 in November 1965.

A follow-up session yielded the song “Five O’Clock World,” with Burkette’s vocal, offers counter-melodies and harmonies from the group, with a distinctive yodel after the chorus. The song’s lyrics focus on the anticipation of the the whistle blowing signaling the end of another work day. It, too, reached #4 on the Hot 100, in January 1966.

The group enjoyed two more Top 10 hits with covers of “Turn Around, Look at Me” and “My Special Angel,” both in 1968.

Miller left the group in 1975 and worked as a financial advisor in advertising until his retirement in 2001.

Miller and his wife of 55 years, Peggy, split their time in New Port Richey, Fla., and in Pittsburgh. The Vogues were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. Burkette died on March 1, 2018, at age 75.

The TV sitcom, The Drew Carey Show, used “Five O’Clock World” for its theme song, with their program’s trademark choreography.

“You’re the One” was featured in the 2020 Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit.