Notable Drummer Butch Miles passed away on February 2nd, he was 78 years old. He drummed for Count Basie’s band in the 1970s and joined his ghost band from 1997-2007. He was still appearing with them on occasion as late as 2020. He released a tribute to Basie on the Famous door label in 1982, one of several releases as leader for that label.
Miles also recorded on several jazz labels with dozens of respected names in jazz including Scott Hamilton, Marlene VerPlanck, Warren Vaché, George Masso, Dave Brubeck, Dave McKenna, Flip Phillip, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Wilber, John Pizzarelli, Wild Bill Davison, Dick Hyman, Peanuts Hucko, Harry Allen, and Dan Barrett. During a long and active career he also backed or recorded for a host of household names including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr., Benny Goodman, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney, Willie Nelson, and many others.
