Complete List Of Steve Miller Band Members

Despite the many lineup changes, the Steve Miller Band has maintained a consistent presence in the rock music scene. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, a testament to their lasting influence and popularity. The band has toured extensively, bringing their classic hits to new generations of fans while continuing to attract audiences with their musicianship and stage presence. The band’s ability to adapt and evolve over time while staying true to their original sound has been a key component of their longevity.

STEVE MILLER BAND MEMBERS

Steve Miller

Steve Miller has been the backbone of the Steve Miller Band since its inception in 1966. As the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, Miller’s music career began long before the band’s official formation, with his early involvement in the Chicago blues scene and subsequent move to San Francisco. Under his leadership, the band released their debut album, Children of the Future, in 1968, marking the beginning of a prolific period that would span decades. Miller’s work on hit albums like Fly Like an Eagle and Book of Dreams in the mid-1970s catapulted the band to stardom. His knack for crafting catchy melodies and his smooth integration of various musical styles have been integral to the band’s success. Outside of the band, Miller has also enjoyed a solo career, which includes collaborations with other artists and occasional solo performances.

Kenny Lee Lewis

Kenny Lee Lewis first joined the Steve Miller Band in 1982 as a guitarist before transitioning to bass. His versatility as a musician allowed him to contribute significantly to both live performances and studio recordings. Lewis played on albums such as Italian X Rays and has been a stable presence in the band across various stints. His return to the band in 2011 solidified his role, contributing both on bass and backing vocals. Beyond his work with the Steve Miller Band, Lewis has also pursued other projects, including session work and contributions to film and television soundtracks, showcasing his broad musical talents.

Joseph Wooten

Joseph Wooten, the keyboardist and backing vocalist for the Steve Miller Band, joined the group in 1993. Wooten brought a new dimension to the band’s sound with his keyboard skills and vocal abilities. His influence is evident in the band’s live performances, where he adds depth and a dynamic element to their music. Besides his role in the Steve Miller Band, Joseph is also known for his solo work and as a member of the Grammy-nominated Victor Wooten Band, led by his brother, bassist Victor Wooten. Joseph’s career highlights outside the band include multiple album releases and collaborative projects across various genres.

Jacob Petersen

Since 2011, Jacob Petersen has served as the guitarist and backing vocalist for the Steve Miller Band. Petersen brought fresh energy to the band upon his arrival, participating in extensive tours and contributing to the band’s legacy with his musical prowess. His background in blues and rock aligns well with the band’s style, ensuring a seamless integration into their existing framework. Outside the band, Petersen has an accomplished career as a session musician and has collaborated with a range of artists, enriching his versatility and exposure in the music industry.

Ron Wikso

Ron Wikso became the drummer for the Steve Miller Band in 2021, the latest addition to the group. His extensive experience in rock and roll, having played with bands like Foreigner and Cher, prepared him well for the role. Even though his tenure with the band has been short, his contribution to their live performances has already been significant, providing the rhythmic backbone essential for their classic and new tracks alike. Wikso’s career outside the band has been marked by collaborations with numerous well-known artists, enhancing his reputation as a skilled and adaptable drummer in the rock music scene.

Lonnie Turner

Lonnie Turner was a founding member of the Steve Miller Band, playing bass, guitar, and providing backing vocals from 1966 until 1970, and then again from 1975 to 1978. His contributions during these periods were instrumental in shaping the band’s early sound and later successes, particularly during their resurgence in the mid-1970s with albums like Fly Like an Eagle. Turner’s fluid bass playing underpinned the band’s rhythm section and complemented Miller’s guitar work perfectly. After his time with the band, Turner continued to work in the music industry, collaborating with other artists and contributing to various projects until his death in 2013.

Boz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs joined the Steve Miller Band in 1967 as a guitarist and also contributed lead and backing vocals until his departure in 1968. His tenure with the band was short but significant, helping to define the band’s early sound. After leaving the band, Scaggs went on to achieve considerable solo success, known for hits like “Lido Shuffle” and the critically acclaimed album Silk Degrees. His solo career has been marked by a blend of rock, blues, and R&B, showcasing his versatility and distinct vocal style.

Jim Peterman

Jim Peterman was a member of the Steve Miller Band from 1966 to 1968, serving as the band’s keyboardist and providing backing vocals. His keyboard work featured on the band’s first two albums, adding a psychedelic touch to their blues-based rock sound. After leaving the band, Peterman continued his music career, though he maintained a lower profile compared to his former bandmates.

Tim Davis

Tim Davis was the original drummer and backing vocalist for the Steve Miller Band from its inception in 1966 until 1970. Davis’ drumming was crucial in the band’s early works and helped to establish their sound on albums like Children of the Future and Sailor. His ability to blend rock and blues rhythms was a key element of the band’s appeal. After his departure, Davis continued to pursue music but also faced health challenges. He passed away in 1988.

James “Curley” Cooke

James “Curley” Cooke joined the Steve Miller Band in 1967 as a guitarist. Although his time with the band was brief, his contributions during that period were significant. After his stint with the Steve Miller Band, Cooke continued to be an active musician, working with other notable artists and bands, contributing his guitar skills to various projects until his death in 2011.

Ben Sidran

Ben Sidran played keyboards for the Steve Miller Band intermittently across several years—1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, and from 1987 to 1991. His keyboard work is featured on several of the band’s albums, bringing a jazz influence to their rock sound. Outside of the Steve Miller Band, Sidran has had a prolific career as a jazz musician, producer, and music historian. His extensive work includes solo albums and collaborations with other artists, enhancing his reputation as a versatile and skilled musician in the jazz and rock genres.

Nicky Hopkins

Nicky Hopkins joined the Steve Miller Band as a keyboardist during critical recording periods in 1969 and 1970. Known for his session work with major acts like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, Hopkins brought a distinctive style to the band, contributing significantly to the albums Brave New World and Your Saving Grace. His piano playing added depth and complexity to the band’s sound, enhancing their musical arrangements. Hopkins continued to be a highly sought-after session musician until his death in 1994, leaving behind a legacy as one of rock’s greatest keyboard players.

Bobby Winkelman

Bobby Winkelman was a part of the Steve Miller Band from 1969 to 1970, playing bass, guitar, and providing backing vocals. His versatility helped the band during a transitional phase as they experimented with their sound on albums like Number 5. After his time with the band, Winkelman continued his music career, working with other groups and expanding his repertoire as a musician and producer.

Ross Valory

Ross Valory played bass and provided backing vocals for the Steve Miller Band from 1970 to 1971. Although his period with the band was brief, his contributions to the rhythm section helped during live performances and on tour. Valory is perhaps better known for his role as the original bassist for Journey, contributing to their rise as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s.

Jack King

Jack King served as the drummer for the Steve Miller Band from 1970 to 1972. His drumming was featured on several albums, supporting the band’s ventures into different rock and pop styles. After leaving the Steve Miller Band, King continued to work in the music industry, playing with various artists and contributing to numerous projects.

Gary Mallaber

Gary Mallaber, who was the drummer for the Steve Miller Band from 1972 and then from 1975 to 1987, also played keyboards and provided backing vocals. He was instrumental in the recording of several of the band’s successful albums, including Fly Like an Eagle and Book of Dreams. His versatility and skill as a drummer and keyboardist were vital in shaping the band’s sound during their peak years. Beyond his tenure with Steve Miller, Mallaber has been a prolific session musician, playing with artists like Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen, which solidified his reputation in the music industry.

Roger Allen Clark

Roger Allen Clark was the drummer for the Steve Miller Band in 1972. Although his time with the band was relatively short, he contributed to the distinct rhythmic foundation that supported the band’s explorations into different musical styles during the early 1970s. Clark continued to have a respected career in music until his passing in 2018, playing for various other music projects and contributing significantly to the rock and blues genres.

Dick Thompson

Dick Thompson played keyboards for the Steve Miller Band from 1972 to 1974, a period during which the band solidified its rock sound and expanded its fan base. His keyboard work can be heard on albums such as Recall the Beginning…A Journey from Eden and The Joker, which marked a significant shift in the band’s musical direction. Thompson’s influence during these formative years helped pave the way for later successes.

Gerald Johnson

Gerald Johnson was a member of the Steve Miller Band from 1972 to 1974 and then again from 1981 to 1983. His role as bassist and backing vocalist contributed to the band’s rhythm section and vocal harmonies. During his tenures, Johnson played on influential albums like Fly Like an Eagle and Abracadabra, contributing to some of the band’s most successful and enduring hits. Outside the Steve Miller Band, Johnson has worked extensively as a session musician, adding his bass expertise to numerous other artists’ recordings.

John King

John King served as the drummer for the Steve Miller Band from 1972 to 1974. His contributions during this period were crucial as the band transitioned into a more mainstream rock sound, notably on albums like The Joker. King’s style provided a solid backbeat that was essential to the band’s musical evolution. Sadly, John King passed away in 2010, but he left behind a legacy of influential drumming in the rock music scene.

Les Dudek

Les Dudek briefly joined the Steve Miller Band as a guitarist in 1975. Though his time with the band was short, Dudek’s guitar work contributed to the recording of the album Fly Like an Eagle, particularly on tracks where his guitar solos complemented Miller’s vocals and harmonies. Beyond his stint with Steve Miller, Dudek has had a successful career collaborating with other major artists and bands, including Boz Scaggs and the Allman Brothers Band.

Doug Clifford

Doug Clifford, best known as the drummer for Creedence Clearwater Revival, played drums for the Steve Miller Band in 1975. His involvement, although brief, was during a critical time as the band was working on the Fly Like an Eagle album. Clifford’s professional and solid drumming style provided a reliable backbone for the band during his tenure. Outside of his time with Steve Miller, Clifford’s influence and contributions to rock music continue to be celebrated, particularly through his extensive work with CCR.