Biography
Bubber Miley stood out among the leading trumpeters of the 1920s through his exceptional skill with the plunger mute, which allowed him to create vividly altered tones. His contributions played a major role in establishing Duke Ellington's initial achievements, serving as the standout performer in the Jungle Band from 1926 to 1928 alongside trombonist Tricky Sam Nanton. Cootie Williams and Ray Nance later continued in Miley's stylistic path. Having been raised in New York, he began his professional career in 1920. As early as 1923, Miley joined Elmer Snowden's Washingtonians and took on freelance recording work from 1924 through 1926. While drawing some inspiration from King Oliver and Johnny Dunn, Miley had developed a highly individual approach by 1926, marking him as an original talent. He shared writing credits on "East St. Louis Toodle-oo" and "Black and Tan Fantasy," appearing prominently across most of Ellington's records made between 1926 and 1928. His struggles with alcohol rendered him progressively undependable by the start of 1929, prompting Ellington to dismiss him with reluctance. Miley collaborated in France alongside Noble Sissle, performed stateside under society bandleader Leo Reisman—where he delivered an unforgettable solo on "What Is This Thing Called Love"—and launched his own ensemble in 1930 that cut six tracks. In 1931 Bubber Miley appeared in several productions before succumbing to tuberculosis the next year, at just 29 years old.