Marcus Miller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcus Miller
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Miller performing in July 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Henry Marcus Miller Jr. |
| Born | June 14, 1959 New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, rock, funk, smooth jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Bass, guitar, vocals, saxophone, clarinet, keyboards, recorder |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Associated acts | SMV, Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Bob James, Christian Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Meshell Ndegeocello |
William Henry Marcus Miller Jr. (born June 14, 1959) is an amazing American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for playing the bass guitar. Marcus has worked with many famous artists like trumpeter Miles Davis, pianist Herbie Hancock, and singer Luther Vandross.
He was a key songwriter and producer for three of Miles Davis' albums: Tutu (1986), Music from Siesta (1987), and Amandla (1989). His work with Luther Vandross was very special. He helped produce and arrange most of Vandross' albums. They also wrote many hit songs together, including "Power of Love/Love Power".
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Marcus Miller was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on June 14, 1959. He grew up in a family that loved music. His father, William Miller, was a church organist and choir director. This meant music was always a big part of his life.
Marcus first learned to play the clarinet in a classical style. Later, he taught himself to play other instruments. These included keyboards, saxophone, and guitar.
Marcus Miller's Music Career
Marcus Miller started working as a musician in New York City. He played bass and wrote music for jazz artists like Bobbi Humphrey. Early on, he was inspired by bass players like James Jamerson.
For about 15 years, Marcus worked as a session musician. This means he played instruments on recordings for many different artists. He also helped arrange and produce music often. From 1979 to 1981, he was even a member of the Saturday Night Live band!
He co-wrote "Jump To It" for Aretha Franklin. He also sang with David Bowie on the song "Underground" from the movie Labyrinth. Marcus has played bass on over 500 recordings! Some of the famous artists he has worked with include Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Eric Clapton.
The Recording Academy gave him the "Most Valuable Player" award three years in a row. This award recognizes top studio musicians. After winning so many times, he was given "player emeritus" status. This means he was so good, he retired from being eligible for the award!
In the mid-1980s, Marcus began his own solo career. He released albums like Suddenly (1983) and Marcus Miller (1984). He wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments on these albums. Since then, he has released many more solo albums.
From 1988 to 1990, Marcus was the music director for the TV show Sunday Night on NBC. He also played bass in the show's house band.
As a composer, Marcus wrote and produced several songs on Miles Davis' album Tutu. He also wrote "Chicago Song" for David Sanborn. He co-wrote many songs for Luther Vandross, including "Power of Love". Marcus also wrote "Da Butt" for the movie School Daze.
In 1997, he joined a supergroup called Legends. This band included famous musicians like Eric Clapton and David Sanborn. They toured jazz festivals in Europe. In 2008, Marcus formed another supergroup called SMV with bassists Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten. They went on a world tour for 18 months.
Marcus also hosts a jazz history show called Miller Time with Marcus Miller. You can hear it on the Real Jazz channel of Sirius XM Holdings satellite radio. Besides his music, Marcus is also a film score composer. He has written music for many movies, including some directed by Chris Rock.
Awards and Special Recognition
Marcus Miller has been nominated for many Grammy Awards. He has won two Grammys! In 1992, he won a Grammy for Best R&B Song for Luther Vandross' "Power of Love". In 2001, he won for Best Contemporary Jazz Album for his solo album, M². His 2015 album Afrodeezia was also nominated for a Grammy.
In 2012, UNESCO named Marcus Miller an Artist for Peace. This means he helps support and promote important projects like the UNESCO Slave Route Project. In December 2021, Bass Player magazine gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates his amazing career.
Marcus Miller's Instruments
Marcus Miller is famous for playing a 1977 Fender Jazz Bass. This bass was specially changed by Roger Sadowsky. A special part called a Bartolini preamp was added. This allowed Marcus to control his sound perfectly in the studio.
Fender even made a special Marcus Miller signature Fender Jazz Bass. These basses were made in both four-string and five-string versions. DR Strings also made "Fat Beams" strings, which were Marcus Miller's signature stainless steel strings.
Since 2015, Dunlop has been making Marcus Miller Super Bright bass strings. Marcus now uses these strings. Also in 2015, Marcus started working with Sire Guitars. They have created a special line of signature basses with his name on them.
Discography
Studio Albums
Marcus Miller has released many studio albums throughout his career. Some of his notable albums include:
- Suddenly (1983)
- Marcus Miller (1984)
- The Sun Don't Lie (1993)
- M² (2001) - This album won a Grammy!
- Silver Rain (2005)
- Renaissance (2012)
- Afrodeezia (2015)
- Laid Black (2018)
He also released Thunder (2008) with his supergroup SMV.
Live Albums
Marcus Miller has also released live albums, showing his amazing performances:
- Live & More (1996)
- The Ozell Tapes Live: The Official Bootleg (2002)
Singles
Some of his popular singles include:
- "Lovin' You" (1983)
- "My Best Friend's Girlfriend" (1984)
- "Free" (2008) featuring Corinne Bailey Rae
Live DVDs
- Tutu Revisited – Live 2010
As a Member of The Jamaica Boys
- The Jamaica Boys (1987)
- J. Boys (1990)
As a Sideman (Playing for Other Artists)
Marcus Miller has played bass for hundreds of other musicians. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Miles Davis: Tutu, Amandla
- David Sanborn: Hideaway, Double Vision
- Luther Vandross: Never Too Much, Power of Love
- Grover Washington Jr.: Winelight
- Michael Jackson
- Beyoncé
- Eric Clapton
- Herbie Hancock
- Mariah Carey
- Frank Sinatra
- George Benson
- Aretha Franklin
- Elton John
- LL Cool J
Film Scores
Marcus Miller is also a talented composer for movies. He has written music for many films, including:
- House Party (1990)
- Boomerang (1992)
- Above the Rim (1994)
- The Ladies Man (2000)
- The Trumpet of the Swan (2001)
- Head of State (2003)
- I Think I Love My Wife (2007)
- Good Hair (2009)
- Obsessed (2009)
- Think Like a Man (2012)
- Marshall (2017)
- Safety (2020)
- Sidney (2022)
Media Appearances
In 2017, Marcus Miller appeared on the Armenian talk show Nice Evening.
Images for kids
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Miller performing in July 2009
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Miller performing in 2007
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Miller performing in 2017
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Marcus performing on his Renaissance tour at the Royal Festival Hall London, May 7, 2012
See also
In Spanish: Marcus Miller para niños
