Ron Miles - the legendary Denver jazz cornetist, composer, and prolific stage and recording artist passed away at 58 years old.
New York-based Blue Note, Miles' label, confirmed his death recently. As per his manager and producer Hans Wendl, Miles quietly died before Tuesday might at his Denver residence with his family.
The 58-year-old jazz icon died due to the complications that have arisen from his Polycythemia Vera, a rare blood disorder that Miles' had.
Miles was survived by her wife Kari Miles and her two children Justice and Honor Miles. He had also left his mother Jane Miles, and his brother Jonathan, Shari, Kelly, and Vicki, who were his sisters.
The Grammy-nominated Trumpeter was inducted at the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2017. He recently canceled a performance at Knoxville, Tennesee's Big Ears Festival, a gig he regularly performs at in the past.
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Tributes paid to Ron Miles
Denver Post Jazz columnist Bret Saunders mentioned that Miles attributed the recent cancellation to certain health problems, although not specific to his illness.
"He was a really warm, gentle, caring presence to be around. And like all great artists, his persona was reflected through his music, which sounds like Colorado when you're outside. Wide-open, lonely and vulnerable," Saunders said.
Blue Note President and musician Don Was paid tribute to the late trumpeter: "Ron was such a gifted artist! He was a sweet, soulful man whose character was reflected in every exquisite note he played. We are heartbroken to lose him so soon, but he will live forever through the music he's left behind for us."
The Metropolitan State University of Denver, where Ron Miles taught as jazz program coordinator, also paid tribute to the late jazz educator. His fellow office-mate and jazz legend Fred Hess attested Miles' excellence in teaching.
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Ron Miles, legendary cornetist and musician-in-residence. Ron was a groundbreaking jazz performer, all while teaching the next generation of MSU Denver musicians for more than 34 years. pic.twitter.com/LbQGr3XLh1
— MSU Denver (@msudenver) March 10, 2022
"Miles established himself as one of today's most prominent jazz musicians all while teaching the next generation of musicians at the University for more than 34 years," Hess recalled.
Ron Miles's illustrious 35 years in the music industry has given him a dozen albums for Capri, Prolific, Gramavision, and Sterling Circle labels.
Miles made his Blue Note debut with the release of "Rainbow Sign" in October 2020, following a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his 2018 hit "Still Dreaming."
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