Bubber Miley

James "Bubber" Miley (April 3, 1903 - May 20, 1932) was an early jazz trumpeter, specializing in the use of the plunger mute.

Miley was born in Aiken, South Carolina. By the time he was twenty, he was working in

James "Bubber" Miley (April 3, 1903 - May 20, 1932) was an early jazz trumpeter, specializing in the use of the plunger mute.

Miley was born in Aiken, South Carolina. By the time he was twenty, he was working in clubs in New York City. It was in New York that he met Duke Ellington. His work in the early Duke Ellington Orchestra has secured his place in jazz history, particularly his solos in "Black and Tan Fantasy" and "East Saint Louis Toodle-oo". He and fellow band member, trombonist Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, created the "Wah-wah" sound that characterized Ellington's early work. Many consider Miley's musical contributions to be integral to Ellington's early success.