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March 2014, Butch Miles was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which has no treatment other than a lung transplant. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. It’s not clear what causes it, but it usually affects people who are around 70 to 75 years old, and is rare in people under 50. Soon after diagnosis Butch received a lung transplant and went into a period of recovery. Butch Miles died in Austin, Texas, on February 2, 2023, at the age of 78.
He is truly missed in the drumming community but has left the world with us remembering his explosive drumming and enthusiastic smile.
Butch Miles, born on July 4, 1944, is a respected drummer known for his incredible talent and versatility in the world of jazz. With a career spanning several decades, Butch has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the industry including Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dave Brubeck, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Gerry Mulligan, Billy Eckstein, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Benny Goodman, and Tony Bennett, to name a few.
Butch’s love for music started at a young age and he quickly developed a passion for drumming. His first big break came in 1971 when he joined Mel Torme’s band, which led to many more opportunities to perform with some of the greatest names in jazz. He quickly established himself as a sought-after drummer, known for his commanding playing style and musicality.
He was Mel Torme’s drummer for 3 1/2 years and it was Torme and Buddy Rich who recommended Miles to Count Basie when a drummer was needed. Miles was with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1975 to 1979 and then returned for ten years from 1997 to 2007.
In addition to his performance work, Butch is also a talented clinician, having worked with the Ludwig Drum Company to promote their products and educate aspiring drummers on the intricacies of drumming.
Butch’s contributions to the world of drumming have earned him a place in the pantheon of jazz drummers. His commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt to different styles of music has made him one of the most respected drummers of his generation.
With a career that has taken him around the world and a list of collaborations with some of the biggest names in jazz, Butch Miles is a true testament to the power and potential of drumming as an art form. His legacy continues to live on through his music and the countless musicians he has inspired along the way.
Contributing Source: HERE
