Jerry Miller, the renowned guitarist and original member of the iconic 1960s band Moby Grape, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by a band representative who stated that Miller died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
Born in 1943 in Tacoma, Washington, Miller started his musical journey in the vibrant Pacific-Northwest bar-band scene, a place also significant in Jimi Hendrix's early career. Despite early comparisons, Miller was known for his unique style, often noted for its volume and intensity. In an interview with The Seattle Times in 2021, Miller reminisced about Hendrix, acknowledging both their loud playing styles.
Before his stardom with Moby Grape, Miller was part of The Frantics and later played with Bobby Fuller, including on an early demo of the hit "I Fought The Law." The Frantics eventually moved to San Francisco, joining a burgeoning psychedelic rock scene alongside bands like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. It was here, in 1966, that Miller, along with fellow Frantics members Bob Mosley and Don Stevenson, formed Moby Grape with Peter Lewis and ex-Airplane member Skip Spence.
Moby Grape quickly became a staple of the Bay Area music scene, with their debut album in 1967 receiving critical acclaim. Miller contributed to many of the band's hits, including "Hey Grandma," "8:05," and "Murder In My Heart For The Judge." Despite initial success, the band's trajectory was marred by personal struggles, notably Spence's health issues, leading to their sporadic disbandments and reunions.
After the band's fluctuating fortunes, Miller embarked on a solo career in the 1990s and continued performing in his hometown of Tacoma. In 2010, he attempted a reunion album with the surviving members of Moby Grape and Spence's son Omar, although the project remains unreleased.
Jerry Miller's legacy as a pioneering musician in the psychedelic rock genre remains influential, marking an era of profound musical innovation and expression.