Jesse Miller (musician) facts for kids

Jesse Miller, Jr. (born August 16, 1921 – died January 24, 1950) was an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He was known for his amazing trumpet playing and for leading his own bands.

Early Life and Musical Start

Jesse Miller, Jr. was born in Houston, Texas. He later moved to Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, he studied music at DuSable High School. His teacher was Captain Walter Dyett, a famous music educator.

Miller became a professional musician in 1940. He played trumpet in bands led by Tiny Bradshaw and King Kolax. In 1941, he joined Milt Larkin's band. This band played regularly at the Rhumboogie club.

Playing with Jazz Greats

In 1942, Jesse Miller joined Earl Hines's orchestra. This was a very famous band at the time. The singer in the band was Billy Eckstine. Other great musicians in this orchestra included Budd Johnson and Scoops Carry.

Later, the amazing singer Sarah Vaughan also joined Earl Hines's orchestra. At that time, the band had many famous jazz artists. These included Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet and Charlie Parker on saxophone. Miller played trumpet alongside these jazz legends.

Leading His Own Bands

In April 1944, Jesse Miller recorded music with other musicians. These included Eddie Johnson and Jimmy Jones.

From August 1944 to January 1945, Miller led his own band. They played at the Garrick Lounge's Garrick Stage. Another famous musician, Ben Webster, also played there. Sometimes, Webster would even join Miller's band on stage. Webster liked Miller's band so much that he took their rhythm section with him for his next shows.

Miller also led a band at Joe's Deluxe Club. He then became the leader of the house band at Club DeLisa. He took over from Red Saunders in June 1945. Miller led the band there until February 1946. It is thought that Sun Ra, another famous musician, worked with Miller during this time.

Later Years

Jesse Miller recorded with Gene Ammons on October 4, 1949. Shortly after this, he became very ill. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Sadly, he passed away a few months later, on January 24, 1950.

Discography

As sideman

• Gene Ammons, Soulful Saxophone (Chess, 1959)
• Gene Ammons, Jug and Sonny (Chess, 1960)
• Earl Hines, Piano Man (Bluebird, 1989)