The 27’s – Jacob Miller 1952 - 1980

Part 22 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27th year.

Jacob Miller was born in Mandeville, central Jamaica on May 4, 1952 and was successful both as lead singer for the reggae group Inner Circle and as a solo artist. It's difficult to draw a distinct line between Miller's solo career and his work with Inner Circle, not only were many of his releases co-produced by himself and Roger Lewis (of Inner Circle) but most all of his solo work was backed by at least some of Inner Circle.

Inner Circle was an emerging reggae group made popular playing covers of American Top 40 hits. Bandleader Roger Lewis said Jacob Miller was “always happy and jovial. He always made jokes. Everyone liked jokes.” They signed with Capitol Records in 1976 and released two albums, “Reggae Thing” and “Ready for the World.” As a soloist he earned second place in Jamaica’s 1976 Festival Song competition with the song “All Night ‘Till Daylight” and produced his first solo album in 1978, “Dread Dread.”

Jacob had a charismatic stage presence and Inner Circle’s performance at Jamaica’s One Love Peace Concert in April 1978 put them in the international spotlight. During that concert Miller brought together rival gang leaders Claudie Massop of the Tivoli gang and Tony Welch of the Jungle gang. Miller also invited members of the Jamaican political coalition the 'Peace Committee' on to the stage for a rendition of “Peace Treaty Special.” After this concert the group was approached by Chris Blackwell of Island Records, for whom the group produced their third album, “Everything is Great,” which sold over a half million copies in Europe.

In March 1980, Miller accompanied Bob Marley and Island head Chris Blackwell to Brazil, to celebrate the opening of the label's new offices there. Meanwhile, the rest of Circle were preparing for their forthcoming American tour in support of the Wailers as well as preparing a new album, “Mixed Up Moods” that had not yet been released.

The trio returned to Jamaica on March 21, 1980 and the next day Miller performed at the Tower Street Correctional Facility. On Sunday, March 23, 1980 Miller was killed when his car crashed into a stoplight at the intersection of Hope and Waterloo roads in Kingston, Jamaica.