Buddy Miles was 60 years old when, on February 26, 2008, he died from congestive heart failure. Miles was the great drummer behind Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. Prior to that he spent his teens playing in such bands as the Ink Spots, the Delfonics and with Wilson Pickett. In the mid-’80s, Miles was introduced to a whole new generation as the voice of The California Raisins in the popular ad campaign. It is his voice that was heard singing “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” His drums could be heard throughout his career behind the likes of Carlos Santana, Cheech & Chong and even Phish. He also released several mind-blowing albums of his own throughout the years. Mitch Mitchell, drummer for Jimi Hendrix Experience was found dead in a hotel room on November 12, 2008.
What You Should Own
oh man I didn’t even know, Miles is a living legend in my book. Now he and Jimi can get their groove on up in heaven. R.I.P.
You must mention that he was the drummer for the Electric Flag!! This group that was fronted by Mike Bloomfield (also RIP) was groundbreaking from early 1967 until mid 1968. Buddy sang some great tunes for them including “Texas” which was a tour-de-force for the “Flag” back then.
Yep its been a year already! Wow! Buddy Miles is one of the most under-rated drummers in Rock history…