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 Jimi Hendrix, participating in the famous Electric Ladyland sessions on "Rainy Day, Dream Away" and "Still Raining, Still Dreaming," and taking his place with Billy
Cox in the all-black, short-lived but extremely influential Band of Gypsys. Their classic Live at the Fillmore East recording from New Years' Eve 1969/70 – in its initial release – featured a spot where Hendrix broke a guitar string, and during the 5 or so minutes it took Jimi to replace the string, Buddy carried on singing an improvised solo (replete with mouth-made wah-wah sounds) over the bass and drums until Hendrix slyly slipped back in the mix. The moment bears testimony to Buddy's capacity to carry the band himself with an energy which was all his own. This live session also feat red an early version of "Them Changes," a composition recorded and played by countless artists over time, which has safely entered the pantheon of rock music. Buddy went on famously to work with Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin and many others and he was the voice on the best-selling California Raisins albums (and commercials) including a wondrous version of "I Heard it Through the Grapevine."

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.