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Buddy Miles Obituary
Although he was born in Omaha, Neb., and lived for many years in Chicago, where he co-founded Electric Flag in 1967, Miles had moved to Austin after suffering a stroke in 2005. “He wanted to get back to music,” stepdaughter Chealsea Shahan said. “He moved to Austin for peace and harmony.” Backed by the New Orleans Social Club, Miles performed “Them Changes” at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Sept. 2006. He also played at La Zona Rosa in October with an all-star Austin blues band.
“He was a real strong guy who overcame a lot,” said local blues guitarist Randy Pavlock, who said Miles “was like a father to me.” Pavlock was playing a club on Sixth Street two years ago when he looked up and saw Miles in the audience. “Band of Gypsys” was probably my favorite record when I was a kid,” said Pavlock, who said he felt “a friendship bond” that first night. Miles relished the role as a mentor.
A child prodigy, whose father had a jazz band, Miles was playing with Wilson Pickett in the ’60s when guitarist Mike Bloomfield asked him to form Electric Flag, a band that would fuse soul, rock and blues. Originally known for his powerhouse drumming, Miles also became known as a soulful rock singer on a million-selling 1972 live album recorded with Carlos Santana.
An enduring classic, “Them Changes” was performed Monday and Tuesday at Madison Square Garden by Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. The former Blind Faith frontmen are expected to play the song again tonight with a special dedication to their old friend.
Miles is survived by spouse Sherrilae Chambers-Miles. A memorial concert will take place March 30 at Threadgill’s on Riverside Drive.
Memories and Condolences
for Buddy Miles
56 Entries
Desmond McDermott
July 14, 2025
Desmond McDermott
July 12, 2025
Buddy was mixing for someone at Royal recorders at the playboy club in Lake Geneva in 1990. I knew the owner because he would order food from our family restaurant Chicago Pizza Co. I delivered and meet buddy he spent time at my mother's house i moved to Austin in 93 and told him how amazing it was. Sure enough he made his way down to the Great state of Tejas. I knew buddy for 20 years. I'm in my old restaurant thinking about him I miss and loved him.
Jesus Pena
June 25, 2024
You will always be with
Thomas smerz
July 22, 2023
Saw buddy at the Rialto theater in Tucson when he toured again. I was so glad to have chance to see him live and met him to he signed my ticket. Being a drummer myself I learned a lot from him. The best rip buddy!
Robert Linkous
March 9, 2021
Great drummer and a nice man, I had the privilege of being his mailman in farmers branch Texas.
Paul Valentino
April 21, 2019
Buddy well miss you your fellow bandmate. Charlie carp passed away you all will be missed. By all your blues musicians. Thank you for the music.. adrummer paul v.
Paul Miller
January 21, 2019
Paul Miller
January 21, 2019
Paul Miller
January 21, 2019
Artemus Flagg
October 30, 2017
I will never forget Mr. Buddy Miles. I really dug his music when I was in undergrad during the 70's. "Them Changes," "Down by the River," and so many more great hits. A great drummer, a great guy and someone who had his finger on the pulse so prevalent during the Band of Gypsies era. Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles and Billy Cox...some bad dudes. Music is not what it used to be...if you want to call it music. I miss the creativity, spontaneity and pure genius that is acquired...and not taught...a gift that must be used. Forget that CD...pull out that 33 and 1/3 vinyl...the one with the intermittent scratches...that was real music even with the glitches. There is only one groove on a LP and Buddy Miles could really groove. Now that Mr. Buddy Miles has crossed the bar, he is drumming up in HEAVEN with Jimi and so many others. There is a brighter side somewhere and surely Mr. Buddy Miles is walking around HEAVEN all day. "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way" (Booker T. Washington). Respectfully submitted by:
Artemus Flagg, Ph. D., LPC of Charlotte, NC.
Rock A.
October 28, 2015
Buddy and Sherrilae were very good to our family. I am also a percussionist and able to play 27 instruments. I knew the business and what it can do to a person. I suffered from late stage cancer and lost touch with everyone for about two years. When I went to reconnect with them, I was devastated to find that Buddy had passed away. I was equally devastated to find that Sherrilae had passed as well. They were both very awesome and will be missed greatly by our entire family. May they both Rest in Peace. It was an honor to be your friend!
February 9, 2014
This is Johnny, Im the grandson of Etta Miles. I remember meeting you a few times as a child. I grew up listening to your music. My grandmother bought me your records, gave me poster of you in the Indian Tribal Wear, and a guitar. I got real good at it and the drums. Ive tracked your career my whole life. Rip
V Still
November 25, 2013
wow...
I was just about to search on line for some olde time back in the day music when I decided to check out Buddy Miles for my collection. I did not realize that he had passed away. Just wanted the family to know that the memories and recordings he made are a reminder for the generations to come, both here and now of the contributions he made for those of us whom remember. And for that I say thank you Buddy, Rest in peace.
J. Glenn
November 8, 2012
Truly an "unsung " musical hero.I just got a pair of your drumsticks that I will cherish for the rest of my life.Rest in peace Buddy
ed kirby
October 28, 2011
I gauge my life by these things that has to past and take it like the children of god and the time that made us what we are
John Broxson
May 20, 2011
I saw Buddy Miles play with Santana in concert at Diamond head in 1971 on New years day. They made a record of that concert. Great concert
Buddy sign this poster -10-13-2000
February 13, 2010
Buddy ask me to play that night with him . He sign my poster , and told me to get out of spfd and come to Tx's with him, I'm sorry Buddy.
February 13, 2010
more at murphy's that night
February 13, 2010
all so at Murphy's the same night with the band I was playing with at that time
February 13, 2010
10-1200. at N.P.Murphy's we had a great time that night.
February 13, 2010
February 13, 2010
February 13, 2010
February 13, 2010
Charles E. Alexander JR.-
February 13, 2010
To my long time Big Brother,teacher,Mentor, The only man who took the time, to show me that I could lean that funk back then in Omaha I was only 14,15 years old. When Buddy came to Springfield Mo. back in 2000 we was setting on his purple bus and was talking about the good old days, back in Omaha playing. One thing he told me, and stand with me all of my life: its knot the drum that make the drummer, its the drummer that make the drum. Buddy, Thank You for teaching me your art. I'm having wonderful life and honor playing your style funk,jass,blue,rock drummer. I love you, and miss you every day. My Brother and Friend and teacher. My Buddy. Thank You.
February 13, 2010
cheryl williams
March 8, 2008
It was wonderful to meet and get to know such a wonderful and caring person. My prayer go out to all of the family. He was a legend. He loved talking and teaching other of his love for music. He touched my life. God bless.
DALLAS
March 7, 2008
THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT MUSICIAN, LOVED HIS MUSIC AND STILL DO. A SAD FAN FROM LINCOLN NEBRASKA ,ROCK IN PEACE BUDDY
Phil Mitchell
March 5, 2008
A big man with a big sound,Buddy will be missed by us all,check out 'Buddy Miles Live' released on mercury in the 70's this will show you how great the man was and not just the drummer on the 'Band of Gypsys' album......
Jammin with Jimi now ? Who Knows ?
Phil "Franco" LoBue
March 5, 2008
Buddy was always a great inspiration in my music career as a drummer, when he was with the Electric Flag and then The Buddy Miles Express. I had collected most of his albums and finally had a chance to meet him when he played a concert in Santa Cruz, California. We had a long talk backstage and my wife took a picture of us sitting on a sofa together. I enlarged the photo and had it framed and it still hangs in my office today. Just Buddy and Me. Buddy, you will be missed.
Vyki Z. with Buddy Miles in Wilmington, NC -- September 1998
Vyki Z.
March 4, 2008
To Sherrilae and all the Miles family - It is not often that one has the good fortune to rub elbows with greatness, and I consider myself among the lucky few. It has been my extreme honor and privilege getting to know the incomparable Mr. Buddy Miles throughout the years. Although I did not see him often, whenever I did have the pleasure, he always welcomed me like long, lost kin. I believe that Buddy never met a stranger, as he gave so generously of his time, attention, and concern. To know him truly was to love his warm and gentle soul, and the magnitude of his greatness is surpassed only perhaps by the humility of the indomitable spirit that so easily accompanied it and never wavered.
I grieve with you and share your overwhelming sadness during this painful loss of Buddy’s very gifted life here on earth. Yet I cherish all the wonderful opportunities to have spent quality time in his magnificent presence. My life is so greatly enriched for having known him and experienced even a portion of the bountiful gifts that he heaped upon this planet.
May you and all of Buddy’s loved ones, along with his legion of fans and admirers, be blessed, healed, comforted, and consoled by the amazing legacy and staggering wealth of talents he so graciously shared with us all. Rest well, my kind and faithful friend…
Ron Vaughn
March 3, 2008
Hi Sherrilae,
We have never met, I am Buddy's 1st cousin Ron Vaughn (240-463-0548). Our mothers were sisters(crosswright). I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I would appreciate if you could contact me. The family has been out of contact with Buddy, and would like to share some fond memories. Thank you, and will keep you in our prayers.
Kip
March 2, 2008
The world has lost a legend. Aside from his enormous talent as a drummer, his prowess with guitar and vocals was also considerable.
I never had a chance to see Buddy Miles live in any incarnation of bands except for dvd/video footage, but even so, the man exuded pure soul and energy in every song he played. I cherish the dvd of Buddy playing with M.S.T. because you got the real deal from a man that didn't hold anything back from his music.
Damn, Them Changes just keep getting harder. Aloha, Buddy...
Jimmy Hunter
March 1, 2008
Dear Sherrilae and family, You have my best wishes. I knew Buddy in Chicago and then got to open for him 20 years later in Fort Lauderdale at the Musicians Exchange. My band at the time was the Blue Tornados. Perhaps you remember. well in any case. I would not be the drummer I am today if it were not for Buddy. I never got the chance to thank him myself. So I'll thank you ok. There are many fond memories of Buddy. Celebrate them... Jimmy Hunter
Mama Blue
March 1, 2008
Buddy was an inspiration to all of us and a great musician.....I am thankful I had the privilage of meeting Buddy and hearing him perform..I still have his CD "ON THE ROAD TO STURGIS" ....Now he is playin', singin', & ridin' on Heaven's Highway..My condolences to the family...
Karen (Vaughn) Marks
March 1, 2008
To the entire Miles family,
Not only was Buddy a very talanted drummer/musician, he was a fun loving kind of a guy that met no strangers! I knew him and his sister, Gloria, as youngsters growing up in Sioux Falls, SD. As with life, comes death, Buddy will be missed. We were blessed to have him share his talents on earth, but may his soul now rest in peace!
Marcia
February 29, 2008
I feel honored to have crossed paths with you... my friend! What a GREAT SOUL!!! My prayers, to you and your family. Shine on Heaven, cuz here comes trouble!!!
You will be missed...
Aggie Aladro
February 29, 2008
Dearest Sherrillae:
I am so sorry to hear about such a great loss. I had the great honor of meeting Buddy when he was getting physical therapy. He was my patient in the 90's. I have wonderful memories of him. I enjoyed the talks we had about his travels, music, the people he was in bands with. I especially was honored that he invited me to his 50'th birthday celebration in Arlington, Texas. I know what loosing a loved is like and the changes it brings in your life. God bless you. I thank our Lord for giving me the priviledge of being his therapist and getting to know such a great man. My deepest condolences. You are in my prayers.
Aggie Aladro
February 29, 2008
Dearest Sherrillae:
I am so sorry to hear about such a great loss. I had the great honor of meeting Buddy when he was getting physical therapy. He was my patient in the 90's. I have wonderful memories of him. I enjoyed the talks we had about his travels, music, the people he was in bands with. I especially was honored that he invited me to his 50'th birthday celebration in Arlington, Texas. I know what loosing a loved is and the changes it brings in your life. God bless you. I thank our Lord for giving me the priviledge of being his therapist and getting to know such a great man. My deepest condolences. You are in my prayers.
Darryl Rhoades in 1980
Darryl Rhoades
February 29, 2008
Met him years ago in LA. Good guy that will be missed.
Carolyn Carr
February 29, 2008
I never got a chance to see the great Buddy Miles. I wished I would have. I remember dancing on "Them Changes" ,one of my favorite songs. I want to give the family my best. Mr. Miles will be missed.
Daniel Coakley
February 29, 2008
Buddy and I were childhood friends, we grew up together in Sioux Falls, S.Dakota. Lost touch with him after he left Sioux Falls, but followed his music. My sincerest sympathies to the family.
(Rev 21:3,4)
GUITAR EXPRESS
February 29, 2008
Wow.... what a player !
You will be missed by all.
Michael Watkins
February 29, 2008
I met buddy in Chicago. They call me little Buddy Miles. He was and will always be my BIG brother. We played together 3 years. We made great music together.He was and will always be my Idol. I love You BIG Brother. Love Little Buddy Miles From Chicago
February 28, 2008
The first time I saw Buddy Miles perform...it was at The Scene in New York - I was with my boyfriend at the time, Buddy Guy, who played guitar, Jimi Hendrix on bass, David Clayton Thomas on vocals and Buddy Miles on drums--that jam went on all night long---one of the best I ever witnessed--I loved his music...We always lose the good ones at a young age
Rest in Peace
Gayle from Philadelphia
Kenny and Bernadette Traylor
February 28, 2008
Dear Sherrilae,
We are grateful for the opportunity this lifetime to be inspired by a friend and extraordinary musician like Buddy. Playing and singing together will always be memorable. Buddy definitely made his mark on us all. Rest assured, Buddy will always be playing in "The Band".
Much love and comfort to you and the family,
Kenny T.and Bernadette
Bobby Mckee
February 28, 2008
"The best to the best" See ya on the other side.
Lucille Pavlock
February 28, 2008
Dear Sherrilae,
It has been a pleasure to know you and Buddy. Buddy has been an inspiration to our son Randy.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers.
Ray Anne Evans
February 28, 2008
Even though I never knew Buddy, I know that he will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful man as well as a musical legend.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
TONY BULLARD
February 28, 2008
Dear Sherrilae,I just heard about Buddy.My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am leaving my new number.Please call if you need anything. I would love to hear from you.You and Buddy were always kind to me when I worked with you on the road. I will miss him.... GOD BLESS YOU.. SINCERELY YOURS TONY BULLARD VA VEACH VA 757 718 0823
A BIG BUDDY MILES FAN!
February 28, 2008
No other drummer in the world created the excitement and drive that Mr. Miles did on stage.
I had the pleasure of seeing him perform many times during the early 70's in the northwestern states and i must say, Buddy Miles drove the crowd to a frenzy everytime.
I love his records, his vocals, his writing and of course his tasteful drumming.
Every couple of days as far back as i can remember I play Buddy Miles because i love his music that much.
Thank You Mr. Miles for inspiring me for all these years, I will miss you.
R Rod
February 28, 2008
Mr Miles Has been an inpiration to me
What A Fantastic Musician !!!!
Rest In Peace
Thomas Ortiz
February 28, 2008
Dear Sherrilae
It was a pleasure to meet you and Mr. Miles. I will forever remember the conversations that I had with you Mr. Miles. He is truly a legend.
Danny Darling
February 27, 2008
Buddy you will be missed in Music, Drumming , and Spirit. You are my all time favorite drummer and soul singer. You inspired me more then any other drummer.
God Be With You My Bro. Buddy
Peace!
Danny Darling
Promo pic of Buddy w/Avant microphones
Mark and Linda Donovan
February 27, 2008
Dear Sherrilae
I was saddened when Mark called to tell me that Buddy passed away. Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. We only knew Buddy personally for a short while but the memory of him will always be in our hearts. Buddy was such a colorful man and he was so funny. I know how much you will miss him; we all will. May God's Grace strengthen you.
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