Influential Band of Gypsys drummer George Buddy Miles died last night at his Austin home. According to his official homepage, at the time of his death Miles was surrounded by his family. The forward thinking drummer, was the author of the oft-covered song Them Changes.’ While the Experience were on hiatus, Hendrix recruited Miles for his short lived Band of Gypsys, whose Fillmore East performances are memorialized on the final album Hendrix authorized before his untimely death. Miles also appeared on The Experiences Electric Laydland and hired the guitar-legend to produce his solo effort, Electric Church.
Though Hendrixs manager broke up the Band of Gypsys before they truly peaked, Miles had a successful career as a sideman, performing with the likes of Carlos Santana, David Bowie and George Clinton. Miles later voiced the California Raisins in a series of popular 1980s commercials and has been active on the Hendrix-tribute circuit. He also appeared at the 30 Year Tribute to Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison at the 2001 Gathering of the Vibes and sat in with Medeski, Martin & Wood. Before his passing, Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton nodded to Miles by covering ‘Them Changes’ at Madison Square Garden earlier this week. A memorial concert is currently being planned by the drummers family.