Jacob Miller

b. 1955 - Jamaica
d. March 23, 1980 - Jamaica

Jacob Miller recorded his first record for Coxsone Dodd, entitled 'Love Is A Message' (aka 'Let Me Love You') in 1968, aged just 13. The song was not a hit, however, and Miller had to wait a few years before he returned to the studio. In 1974 he recorded a number of singles for Augustus Pablo, including 'Each One Teach One', 'Keep On Knocking', 'False Rasta', 'Who Say Jah No Dread' and 'Baby I Love You So', most of which were popular on the pre-release circuit in the UK. Unfortunately, when Island Records released 'Baby I Love You So', they failed to credit Miller, and even relegated his vocal to the b-side in favour of its thrashing King Tubby's/Pablo dub, 'King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown'. Miller's biggest hits came as a member of Inner Circle. In 1976 they enjoyed a couple of roots hits with 'Tenement Yard' and 'Tired Fe Lick Weed In A Bush' (both credited to Miller). These hits, combined with Miller's explosive stage act made them the top act in Jamaica in the latter part of the 70s. Miller, an exuberant, amply proportioned man, possessed of a fine tenor that often featured a trademark stutter, went on to make a number of excellent records with Inner Circle, including 'All Night Till Daylight' and 'Forward Jah Jah Children'. He took part in the famous 1978 One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, where Bob Marley joined hands with Edward Seaga and Michael Manley, and had an amusing cameo role in the 1979 film Rockers. Miller died in a road crash in 1980. A Chapter A Day featured hip-hop artists performing over the original masters.

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