The hard hitting drums of Buddy Miles have been a huge influence in my life. I have destroyed more than one copy of Band of Gypsys from endless play over the years. And it is no coincidence that some of my favorite songs on the album were Buddy's.
Buddy was a childhood prodigy and began his career playing drums in his fathers jazz band in Omaha, Nebraska. He played in many R&B acts as he grew up. Later he moved to Chicago and started Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield. The band made there live debut at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. After Electric Flag disbanded Buddy formed the Buddy Miles Express, whose first two albums were produced by Jimi Hendrix. Around the same time Buddy joined Billy Cox and Jimi forming the famous group Band Of Gypsys. After Jimi's death in September 1970, Buddy performed with various line-ups under his own name, as well as doing many studio sessions for other people. In 2004 he reunited with Billy Cox for Band of Gypsys Return. In 2007 health problems forced him to cancel remaining dates of his west coast tour. His family has had a history of congestive heart problems, which is the likely cause of his passing. Buddy was 60 years old. He was the baddest of the bad, and Buddy we thank you!
Band of Gypsys - Them Changes
