Buddy Miles &  John Dote’

Buddy Miles "Down By The River"

Buddy Miles "Them Changes"

Buddy Miles made musical history in the late 60's when he recorded the album "Band Of Gypsy's", live at the Fillmore West, in San Francisco, California with Jimi Hendrix, who made his legacy from his performance at Woodstock, in New York during that same era. "Band Of Gypsy's", released on the Capitol label was one of the hugest "hits" in 1969-70 and on the other side of the coin was a hit theme called "Hawaii Five-0" which was adopted by Las Vegas Disc Jockey John Dote' from the album "Hooked On Themes", on the Penthouse Records label. But this story has an ever more gripping cover to it. The world was overcome by the shock waves at the news that Jimi Hendrix had died of an overdose. It became headlines internationally. The man, Hendix, who created musical illussions that were distorted and set his guitar ablaze ("Fire"), was no longer in the life and times of Buddy Miles. During this period, Las Vegas Disc Jockey John Dote' was in high school hosting parties at his parents mansion in San Carlos, cranking to the sounds of Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles never knowing that one day he would be rubbing shoulder's with the man who is officially in the Hendrix history books. 

Paul McCartney was once qouted as saying that Jimi Hendrix was just a "fad" for a year, but was proved different.One can only imagine what it was like to rise to the top only to lose his freind, Jimi Hendrix and to watch all of the hard work and success come crashing down. But Miles' career wouldn't end there. He later went on to join Carlos Santana for the Columbia recording of Santana's Hawaii Tour, recorded "live".

Unfortunately, the album was not as successful as "Band Of Gypsy's". Miles stated that there were many differences between the two. For example, during their sessions, Santana wouldn't even go into the studio where Miles was. Santana would send someone else to tell Buddy what to do. Apparently, Miles was offended by that.

By 1986, Dote' had entered the promotional arena, handling the new release by Janet Jackson, :"What Have You Done For Me Lately" on the A&M label. He was also riding the charts with the theme from "Dynasty" and the theme from the MGM Television Series "Dallas", performing with Greg Allman and recording with Santana's brother Jorge'. He and Miles became very close freinds and began performing throughout the Bay Area and Miles left his audiences on their feet with his soulful vocals, Dote' on drums and Deacon Jones on organ. It was Jones who brought Miles and Dote' together. Now Dote' was playing behind the man he grew up listening to in his high school days. It was during this period that Miles and Dote' would crusie the Bayshore Freeway at 100 miles an hour (Buddy driving) from one location to another seeking out deals for Miles. But upon arrival in his custom white Mercedez Benz, many of those individual's just wanted Buddy's autograph. They had his albums out on display for him to sign and as gracious and humble as he was, he did. Dote' approached several major record labels that he was connected to. Dote' had much of the clout being in promotions, but kept getting turned away, because the labels thought that Buddy Miles was involved with Sylvester Stuart, better known as Sly and the family Stone. Dote' has a knack for performing with legends and Buddy Miles is certainly that.

Fact: 

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Hendrix Drummer Buddy Miles Dies at 60

Buddy Miles, Feb. 26, 2008: Miles grew up performing with his father's jazz band, and went on to drum for Jimi Hendrix's 'Electric Ladyland' album, Wilson Pickett, the Delfonics and others. He died at the age of 60 after battling congestive heart failure.

"He loved to laugh," Lee told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. "We spent more time laughing than anything else. He was a great joke teller."

Miles, who was born in Omaha, Neb., was performing with his father's jazz-influenced combo by the age 11. He then went on to play for The Delfonics, The Ink Spots and Wilson Pickett, according to his Web site.

He co-founded the band Electric Flag in 1967. He also co-founded the Band of Gypsys with Hendrix and Billy Cox, the Web site said.

Miles was drummer on Hendrix's landmark "Electric Ladyland" album before officially joining Band of Gypsys a few months later. Miles is best known for "Them Changes," a song he wrote and performed.

Buddy Miles