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Steve Miller: From Summertime Baseball to Back to School by Monica L. Yasher
Posted on 9/15/2010 by Monica Yasher
This past summer, the fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates enjoyed a post show with Steve Miller and his band. When you think that some fans can pay eight bucks and see a baseball game, enjoy a great view of Pittsburgh and THEN enjoy a show with Steve Miller, you have to say, "Ain't life great in the 'Burgh!"
It started out a great evening. The pirates played and the stage was setup. Then it happened. One of the worst things that could happen to an outdoor event, it started to sprinkle rain. It started to rain steady. Then, it started to pour. Steve's manager would say, "Steve, you have to get off the stage, it's a bad storm." Steve would immediately say, "OK, They tell me there's lightning coming....1,2,3" as lightning flashed above the band's heads, and they jumped into the next song. This went on for a couple of songs. Then he did actually throw in the towel and get off the stage when lightning hit.
Don't you just have to love Mr. Steve Miller? His dedication to music is proven with his history of discography, and in his stage presence of playing in a severe storm, in the middle of a ball field, sitting right next to the Allegheny River. Talk about musical dedication! So, I guess it is not rather shocking that he's doing what the blues is all about. Keeping the music alive by sharing what he knows with the artists of tomorrow.
Don't you just have to love Mr. Steve Miller? His dedication to music is proven with his history of discography, and in his stage presence of playing in a severe storm, in the middle of a ball field, sitting right next to the Allegheny River. Talk about musical dedication! So, I guess it is not rather shocking that he's doing what the blues is all about. Keeping the music alive by sharing what he knows with the artists of tomorrow.
The Gangster of Love will work with students in popular music and music industry programs
Los Angeles, CA – Some people call him the Space Cowboy. Some call him the Gangster of Love. But when Steve Miller, one of rock music’s all-time greats, joins the University of Southern California faculty this fall, he will have to get used another moniker: professor.
During the 2010-2011 school year, Miller will teach at the USC Thornton School of Music, named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top music schools in the country and noted for its broad curriculum, internationally renowned faculty and immeasurable contributions to the music industry.
“To say we are thrilled about Steve joining our faculty would be an understatement,” said Chris Sampson, associate dean of the USC Thornton School of Music.
With a trademark blues-rock style, the Steve Miller Band has come to define classic rock, selling more than 30 million albums and introducing the phrase “pompitus of love” to the English lexicon. Some of Miller’s hit songs include “The Joker,” “Rock ‘n Me,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Jet Airliner,” and “Fly Like an Eagle” – all of which are played daily on rock stations around the country.
“This is an amazing opportunity for the students at USC Thornton. Clearly, Steve cares deeply about the next generation of musicians and wants to be a part of their growth. His willingness to share his incredible experience with our students will undoubtedly transform their experience,” Sampson said.
As an Artist in Residence at the USC Thornton School of Music, Miller will work on a regular basis with undergraduate students in the Popular Music and Music Industry programs. He will hold master classes and pass along his wisdom and knowledge to a new generation of professional musicians.
"Professor Miller will be a great addition to our already illustrious faculty," said Robert Cutietta, dean of the USC Thornton School of Music.
The USC Thornton School of Music, founded in 1884, is the oldest continuously operating cultural institution in Los Angeles. Launched two years ago, the Popular Music Performance program was the first of its kind at a major research university. Miller consulted on the creation of the program and continued his active interest in the USC Thornton School of Music by inviting several students to record with him in the famed Capital Records studio. Last year, the Steve Miller Band played two sold-out concerts on campus as part of the USC Thornton School of Music’s 125th anniversary celebration.
In June 2010, Miller released his critically acclaimed new album BINGO! The album serves as Miller’s musical autobiography, reaching back into his own apprenticeship as a young man in the Chicago blues scene. There he met Howlin’ Wolf playing in nightclubs and shared a bandstand with Muddy Waters. Miller transformed the classic rhythm and blues songs into monumental rock performances.
In keeping with his dedication to music education, Miller’s work with USC is an extension of his philanthropic work with Kids Rock Free, a program that provides free and low-cost music lessons to students age 7-17. KRF® has serviced over 12,000 kids and there are currently 800 waitlisted for the program. Miller continues his work with the program and encourages donations from fans and artists to achieve the goal of expanding the Kids Rock Free schools nationwide. Steve Miller joins Grammy Award-winning musician and music director Patrice Rushen and legendary songwriter Lamont Dozier as Artists in Residence at the USC Thornton School of Music.
Can I hear applause for keeping the blues alive? Thank you, Mr. Steve Miller!
If you would like to read J. Blake's review of "Bingo", click here.
Copyright © 2010 Copyright Monica L. Yasher. All Rights Reserved.
Photograph Copyright © 2010 Tim Woods. All Rights Reserved.
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