Rock Icon and Acclaimed Guitarist Jerry Miller Dies at 81
![Rock Icon and Acclaimed Guitarist Jerry Miller Dies at 81](https://thechronicle.cc/uploads/images/202407/image_750x_669fc847b1da7.jpg)
Jerry Miller, the celebrated rock guitarist known for his exceptional talent, passed away on Saturday night in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 81. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
A post on his fan page shared the news, stating, “It is with great sadness that we report Jerry Miller's passing last night. Jo and the family request privacy during this difficult time and ask that phone calls be avoided for now. Thank you for your understanding.”
The news was also confirmed by journalist Eric Brenner and through the Moby Grape Facebook fan page.
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton once hailed Miller as “the greatest guitar player in the world.” While Rolling Stone’s ranking was less definitive, Miller still earned a place among their top 100 guitarists of all time.
Miller’s career began in the late 1950s, playing with popular Northwest dance-rock bands. Notably, he contributed guitar work to an early recording of "I Fought the Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four and later toured with Fuller.
A contemporary of Jimi Hendrix and Larry Coryell, Miller frequently gathered with them to watch visiting bands in Seattle.
In 1966, Miller joined Moby Grape in San Francisco, serving as the lead guitarist in the influential three-guitar lineup. After his time with Moby Grape, he went on to help form The Rhythm Dukes and pursued a successful solo career.