Remembering Jerry Miller: Guitar legend of Moby Grape and 1960s Rock

ICYMI: Jerry Miller, a revered guitarist best known for his work with the 1960s rock band Moby Grape, passed away on July 20, 2024, in Tacoma, Washington. He was 81 years old. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, his passing was confirmed through a Facebook post on the Moby Grape fan page and journalist Eric Brenner.

The message, shared by Miller's family, requested privacy during the difficult time, stating, "Jo and the family are asking for everyone to please give them some privacy and respect, and Jo asked that people cease phone calls for the time being. Thank you."

Miller was a celebrated musician who earned a spot among rock's most respected guitarists. His talent, demonstrated with his guitar named "Beulah," caught the attention of many, including famed guitarist Eric Clapton, who reportedly called Miller "the greatest guitar player in the world." Although Rolling Stone magazine did not rank him quite as highly, it did list him among the top 100 guitarists of all time, recognizing his significant contributions to rock music.

Born in 1941, Miller's career began in the late 1950s, playing with popular Northwest dance-rock bands. His early work included contributing guitar parts to an early version of "I Fought the Law," a hit by The Bobby Fuller Four. This collaboration led to him touring with Bobby Fuller, further establishing his reputation as a talented, in-demand guitarist.

The emergence of Moby Grape

In 1966, Miller co-founded Moby Grape in San Francisco, a band that quickly gained attention for its unique blend of rock, blues, and country. Moby Grape's distinctive sound was driven by its three-guitar setup, with Miller taking the lead on guitar. The band's self-titled debut album, Moby Grape, released in 1967, is considered a classic of the era, blending tight harmonies and impressive guitar work.

The album featured tracks like "Omaha," which became one of their most well-known songs, and showcased Miller's skill.

Struggles and life after Moby Grape

Despite initial success, internal conflicts and legal battles with their record label, Columbia, hampered the band's long-term success.
Music historian Jeff Tamarkin said: "The Grape's saga is one of squandered potential, absurdly misguided decisions, bad luck, blunders and excruciating heartbreak, all set to the tune of some of the greatest rock and roll ever to emerge from San Francisco. Moby Grape could have had it all, but they ended up with nothing, and less."

After his time with Moby Grape, Miller continued to make an impact in the music world. He co-founded The Rhythm Dukes, a band that further explored blues and rock influences. Additionally, Miller pursued a solo career, recording albums and performing live well into his later years.

His influence can still be felt in the music world, particularly among guitarists who admire his ability to merge technical skill with emotional depth. For some, Miller’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic rock and the San Francisco music scene of the 1960s. His contributions to music, especially through Moby Grape, remain a vital part of rock history, and his talent continues to inspire new generations of musicians.