How do you morph from star running fullback to opera singer? Keith Miller’s magical transformation began with “Phantom of the Opera.” He had never studied music, never sung in public and was enjoying being a University of Colorado football star when he invited a date to the musical. Sitting in the audience, he fell in love with the art form. Back on campus, he tried to sing along with the recording, but the music written for a tenor was not compatible with what he would later discover was his bass-baritone range.

Still, he persisted. After starting in the Fiesta Bowl and the Cotton Bowl and carrying the Olympic torch for the 1996 Atlanta Games, Miller began a pro career playing for the European and Arena Football leagues. All the while he was teased by his teammates as he sang at the top of his voice in the dressing room. By this time, he was listening to and singing along to bass Samuel Ramey.