Who was Jerry Miller? All about the Moby Grape co-founder and guitar legend as he dies aged 81

Well-known guitarist and vocalist Jerry Miller passed away on July 20, 2024, at age 81. Although he had done a couple of solo projects, he was known as one of the founding member of the psychedelic rock band Moby Grape. Miller's cause of death remains unknown for now.

The news of Jerry's death was revealed through the fan page of Moby Grape on Facebook. Multiple posts have been shared by the users, with most of them expressing their shock after hearing about Miller's demise. A musician named J.C. Flyer recalled Jerry's flawless work, writing:

"I was a huge fan since the days of the Moby Grape's first LP, however, it wasn't until I moved to San Francisco that I was actually able to meet Jerry after a gig at the old Shady Grove on Haight Street, and later, during his Sunday afternoon gugs at the Crows Nest in Capitola."

Flyer added a few pictures of Jerry Miller in the post that he clicked in the past and stated that he was "one of the nicest guys" he met over the years. J.C. said that Miller could be easily approached by anyone and that he witnessed the same in the last 40 years.

A user named Scott Schenkel wrote in the Facebook group that he shared a close relationship with Jerry.

"I am proud to have been his friend, and I will damn sure miss him, as a friend and a musician. He was always glad to sign stuff and when we saw him in May, he graciously signed my guitar. He was nice enough to call several friends of mine to tell them "Happy Birthday.""

Although he had a successful career, Jerry was a victim of financial problems when there was a flood in the Pacific resulting from the water being released from Mud Mountain Dam into the White River by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2009. Jerry had rented a house at the place before the incident happened, and he somehow managed to save his dog, an amplifier, and his guitar.

Jerry Miller ended up losing most of his items, including his car, and Moby Grape organized two benefit shows for his help at the time. A few of his friends gave him some clothes as donations, and he began living at a motel.

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Jerry Miller was involved with Moby Grape for many years: Career and other details explained

The Tacoma, Washington, native developed an interest in music due to his grandfather, who was an expert in the violin. He even started writing lyrics at an early age, and before joining Moby Grape, he worked with a band called The Frantics. Furthermore, he performed with various popular musicians, such as Eric Clapton and Stephen Hills.

However, Jerry Miller's big break came when he formed Moby Grape with Don Stevenson. Although the group's self-titled album brought them into the spotlight, their remaining albums could not become as successful as per expectations, and there were other issues among the band members, including drug use.

Jerry continued to perform with Moby Grape until the time of his recent demise. Back in 2002, he appeared for an interview with Vintage Guitar magazine, where he addressed his work outside the band. He said:

"My solo stuff never stopped. We need to mix some recordings we've been working on, and I'm looking for a brand new label – too many problems with the last one. But I've got a terrific lineup this time around, and it's so good to be playing."

Jerry Miller added that it was not easy for him to work on his solo career without any problems, but he was thankful to God that everything was working perfectly. He continued:

"I slide by every day, with a lot of blessings from the powers that be, and that's why I'm here today. I am devoted to what I do. A little publishing trolls in now and then, which helps."

Apart from Moby Grape, Jerry Miller formed another band, The Rhythm Dukes, in 1969. The group was active for two years and had one album in the credits, Flashback, which witnessed a delayed release in 2005. As a solo artist, his first album, Now I See, came out in 1993, followed by Life Is Like That and Live at Cole's.

Meanwhile, detailed information on Jerry Miller's personal life and survivors is yet to be revealed.