‘Queen of Swing’ Norma Miller dies at age 99

Friends and family said goodbye to the “Queen of Swing” last week.

Norma Miller, one of the original Lindy hop dancers, died at the age of 99 in her Fort Myers home Sunday, May 5.

“Norma is the kind of person that believe me, once you meet her, oh, you’re never going to forget her,” musician Chester A. Whitmore said.

A crowd in Fort Myers gathered to remember the iconic dancer and entertainment legend.

“She did recording sessions,” Whitmore said. “I mean right now in her 90s. She’s motivating, teaches people, just inspiring them to keep going.”

Miller will go down in history as the last surviving member of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, a famous dance group known for being trail blazers in the swing dance era.

Whitmore, a close friend of Miller, said his lucky he got to share the stage with her in 2016.

Also among the group celebrating Miller’s life was filmmaker John Biffar. Biffar said he became good friends with Miller after casting her in one of his movies.

“Just has the energy,” Biffar said. “You were excited to be around her. She was fun; she was super hip; she knew everything about pop culture, who was who. She was sharp until the very end.”

A comedian, a choreographer and author, the “Queen of Swing” wore many crowns.

“Her goal was to hit 100,” Biffar said. “Unfortunately, she fell a little short, but she lived 99 really good years.”

Friends said Miller liked Southwest Florida because it was a quiet place to retreat between performances. She will be buried in New York on Friday, May 24.

“Before I die there’s just one thing I’ll do, do my thing and swing baby swing. Keep on swinging,” said Norma Miller, “Queen of Swing.”