Jacob Miller left an indelible mark on the international reggae community before his untimely death, at the age of 27. His trademark vibrato became a signature on the tunes he recorded; both as part of his prolific solo career, as well as with his band, Inner Circle. During his short career he carved out a legendary status through extensive works with Augustus Pablo (Who Say Jah No Dread), King Tubby (Dreada Dread Dub), as well as releasing with Clement Dodd at Studio One (We A Rockers), Capitol Records and a slew of others.
Miller gained widespread popularity in his native Jamaica and, in 1978, headlined the now legendary One Love Peace Concert, appearing on the bill above Bob Marly & The Wailers. Marley’s performance of course is caught on camera, with the iconic moment where he brought Edward Seaga and Michael Manley on stage to shake hands now part of reggae legend. Miller, however, achieved arguably an even more impressive sign of unification at the concert: He brought the high profile gang leaders Claudie Massop and Tony “Tek Life” Welch on stage to shake hands in much the same way.
His death in a car crash in Kingston in 1978 brought an abrupt end to Miller’s career, but he still stands as one of the all-time great voices in Jamaican music. Through his works he helped to build the genre as we know it today, and spread the music from Jamaica to Europe, America, Asia and beyond. Inner Circle continue to tour the globe and to this day still play Millers’ music to young and old audiences at concerts and festivals. This month we take a look at some of my personal favourites from his back catalogue.