Robert E. Miller Jr's Obituary
Bobby Miller was born July 12, 1932 in Chicago, IL to Robert and Ruth Miller. He has one sibling, Ethelda Smith. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, and their children with multiple grand and great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Bobby grew up on the south side of Chicago. He joined the Navy and served for 3 years. He then joined the Airforce and served 4 years.
Bobby became an avid jazz drummer at a young age. Unbeknownst to most, he taught the world renowned drummer, Jack DeJohnette how to play the drums.
Bobby played for Sun Ra who was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet. He also had the opportunity to play with John Coltrane, Vonn Freeman, and Eddie Harris.
Bobby was employed by the Chicago Transit Authority as a bus driver, and then went on to join the Chicago Police Force where he served more than 25 years.
He received his Associates Degree in Sociology from Kennedy King College.
When not working as a policeman, you would find him with his drums in the car ready to play a gig. Bobby was part of the band, The Gallery Ensemble play where he played avant garde jazz music for many years with his buddies Jose, Scott, Calvin the Ju Ju man, and Clarence. He also loved to go fishing in his spare time.
He also started his own band name “The Bobby Miller Power Play Band”.
Bobby could name any musician in any jazz song ever published. He was a collector of jazz music with focus on his favorites, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy, Chet Baker, Horace Silver and many others.
Bobby was also an artist who loved to paint abstract art and paintings of his love “Dotty”.
Bobby also loved photography. He loved taking pictures and posing for them also. He was also an avid reader. His breadth of knowledge was endless. He was astute in history and current events and loved to debate his points.
Dad, “Do You in Heaven, playing the drums with your favorites and painting creatively forever”
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