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Click here to
listen to the Tribute show saying farewell to Buddy Miles
I met Buddy Miles in the lobby of a hotel in Paris about 18 years ago. He had a way of speaking which was totally unique – although it was not always linear, it was always brilliant and rhythmic and it always made sense if you listened carefully. I had the opportunity to play with him at that time at the legendary New Morning club, and we became close friends and allies. No drummer could lay down a fatter pocket. I was proud to be his attorney-in-life. Buddy husbanded a strong creative spark and he consistently had ideas for new and different projects, right up to his end. He was a cat with more than nine lives. He always defied the odds and surprised everyone around him – his spirit was indefatigable. His performance with Stanley Jordan at our wedding on "Little Wing" holding Sophie's hand was as great a gift as one could ever receive. He could call up and sing you "Happy Birthday" and have you laughing and crying at the same time within seconds. His voice was as sweet as honey from heaven. Buddy passed with loved ones holding his hands. Only two nights ago,
I had the chance to phone him from Madison Square Garden so he and
Sherrilae could hear Winwood and
Clapton as they laid down
yet another version of his song, Them Changes to thunderous acclaim. As
his niece said when I was in Austin recently: "Uncle Buddy, you're not
from this planet. Your people put you here, and now they're coming to
take you back home." I think she was right. I think he's at peace now
that he's home. Surely he left us with many treasures evidencing his
visit to earth. We will miss him dearly. By Geoffrey Menin
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Born
in Omaha in 1947, Buddy was a child prodigy, initially playing drums
with his father George, Sr.'s band The Bebops. His nickname – given to
him by his aunt - came from his tremendous love for his idol, Buddy Rich
(they once played on stage together). He played in a variety of bands as
a teenager including the Ink Spots and the Delfonics; at 14 years old,
he played with Wilson Pickett. In 1967, together with Mike Bloomfield,
he founded the Electric Flag, one of the first, if not the first, mixed
race electric blues bands. With Bloomfield's searing guitar licks and
the high wail of a terrific horn section, the Flag was a raving
celebration, especially with Buddy's voice ringing o'er the top. After
only two albums, the group broke up and Buddy formed the infamous Buddy
Miles Express. Soon thereafter, Buddy began his legendary collaboration
with