Al Miller (1927-2000)
was born in New York, and started his career in music early as a military drummer. At the age of 14, he was awarded the title “New York State Individual Snare Drum Champion”, and toured throughout the United States and Mexico. During World War ll, Al was with the Official Air Force Band in Bolling Field, Washington, D.C. as percussionist and teacher.

After the war, Al returned to New York to begin what would become a legendary teaching, conducting, writing and performing career. He toured South America with the big bands of Xavier Cugat, Enric Madriguera and Cab Calloway. Al played and conducted shows in many Long Island clubs, with New York’s top musicians. He started his own big band, the Al Miller Big band, and performed at many clubs, concerts and events throughout the New York area. One of the most notable performances was the 1979 Hofstra University concert where Al and the big band played opposite the big bands of two of his closest friends, Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson. Al’s great talent, popularity and success ranks him alongside Rich, Bellson and Krupa as one of the world’s greatest big band drummers.

Al was, without a doubt, the most sought after teacher in New York. His Al Miller Drum School in Plainview, Long Island attracted eager students from all over the world who had heard of Al’s unsurpassed reading ability, and great expertise in and knowledge of military, classical, show, professional, and big band drumming. Al was one of the first drummers to master and popularize the double bass drum technique, and was one of the few big band drummers to successfully incorporate the style musically into jazz. His hand technique was remarkable and astounding to every drummer who would watch him play, for his control, speed, strength and finesse. Some of today’s top drummers studied with Al Miller, including Dom Famularo, Frank Bellucci, Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel), Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs; Winger), and literally countless others. Al’s talents were passed on to his son, drummer Matt Miller, who toured with Blood Sweat and Tears and Stevie Cochran, among many other artists and bands.

Al taught percussion at the prestigious Chaminade School for 50 years, as well as at Kellenberg Memorial School. He authored six drum books, which are very popular among students, teachers and professionals, and sell worldwide through the Hal Leonard Publishing Company. Al continued teaching, playing and leading his big band until he passed away in 2000.

Download video of Al playing drums on "Love For Sale" (4.1 MB)

More photos of Al Miller