Butch Miles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Butch Miles
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles J. Thornton Jr. |
| Born | July 4, 1944 Ironton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | February 2, 2023 (aged 78) Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1962–2023 |
| Labels | Famous Door, Nagel Heyer |
| Associated acts | Count Basie Orchestra |
Charles J. Thornton, Jr. (born July 4, 1944 – died February 2, 2023), known to everyone as Butch Miles, was a fantastic American jazz drummer. He played drums for many famous musicians and bands. These included the amazing Count Basie Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, and singers like Ella Fitzgerald. He also performed with Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Tony Bennett.
Butch Miles's Musical Journey
Butch Miles loved listening to drummers like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, and Jo Jones. He started playing the snare drum when he was just nine years old. Later, he studied music at West Virginia State University from 1962 to 1966.
After college, Butch went on tour with a group called the Iris Bell Trio. For three and a half years, he was the drummer for the singer Mel Torme. Both Mel Torme and Buddy Rich thought Butch was a great drummer. They even suggested him to Count Basie when his orchestra needed a new drummer.
Butch Miles joined the famous Count Basie Orchestra in 1975. He played with them until 1979. He then returned to the orchestra in 1997 and stayed for ten more years, until 2007.
Count Basie wrote about Butch in his autobiography in 1985. He said, "Butch came to us from Mel Torme's group. He was really popular with the crowd, like Buddy Rich. He learned things very quickly and wanted to stay with us for a while, which he did for about four years."
In the 1980s and 1990s, Butch Miles led his own band called Jazz Express. He also performed at big music events. These included the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2011, he was honored by being added to the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Later, he retired from teaching music at Texas State University-San Marcos.
His Life and Passing
In March 2014, Butch Miles was diagnosed with a serious lung illness. It was called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The only treatment for it was a lung transplant, which means getting a new lung. He received a new lung and began to recover.
Butch Miles passed away in Austin, Texas, on February 2, 2023. He was 78 years old.
Music Recordings
Butch Miles recorded many albums throughout his career. He made albums as a band leader, where he was in charge of the music. He also played drums on albums for many other famous musicians. These recordings helped share his amazing drumming with the world.
