On June 4th, 1980, the world of funk music lost one of its brightest stars when Charles William Miller, the renowned saxophonist and flutist of the California funk band War, was brutally stabbed to death in Los Angeles.
Born on June 2nd, 1939, in Olathe, Kansas, Charles Miller moved with his family to L.A. at the age of two, eventually settling in Long Beach, California. Music ran in his blood—his father was a musician who performed with organist Paul Bryant, and young Charles displayed an early passion for music. He mastered multiple instruments, including the saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano, and guitar, performing in school bands and orchestras. Initially, Miller’s focus leaned toward football, but a 1967 injury at Long Beach City College shifted his attention fully to music, setting the stage for his illustrious career.
Before joining War, Miller honed his craft with various groups, including Señor Soul, with whom he recorded albums like Señor Soul Plays Funky Favorites (1968) and It’s Your Thing (1969) on Double Shot Records. He also participated in recording sessions with The Ray Charles Band and toured with acts like the Debonaires, Brenton Wood, and the Afro Blues Quintet + 1. His versatility and talent caught the attention of Harold Brown, Papa Dee Allen, and Howard E. Scott, with whom he formed the band Night Shift. This group, later re-christened War by Eric Burdon, would go on to redefine funk music with its unique fusion of jazz, R&B, Latin, and rock influences.
Charles Miller’s contributions to War were monumental. As the band’s saxophonist and flutist, he helped craft their signature multicultural sound, blending gritty funk with soulful melodies. His most iconic contribution came with the 1975 hit “Low Rider,” a Billboard R&B #1 single that became a cultural anthem. Miller not only played the saxophone but also provided the lead vocals, infusing the track with an infectious energy that remains timeless. The song, featured in films like Deadpool and Colors, cemented War’s place in music history and showcased Miller’s ability to transcend his instrumental role.
War’s discography, including albums like Why Can’t We Be Friends? and hits like “Spill the Wine” (1970), benefited from Miller’s dynamic presence. His saxophone solo on “The World is a Ghetto” is often cited as a transcendent moment in funk music, a testament to his ability to elevate the genre. Beyond his musical talents, Miller was a charismatic figure, known for his dedication to his craft and his family.
On the night of June 4th, 1980, just two days after his forty-first birthday, Charles Miller’s life was tragically cut short. While in Los Angeles, he was stabbed to death during what authorities described as a botched street robbery. The incident occurred in Hollywood, where Miller was living with his wife, Eddy Miller, and their children—daughters Annette and Laurian, and sons Donald and Mark. He also had a son, Joseph Charles Newton, from another relationship. The details of the robbery remain sparse, and no suspects have ever been identified.
As of 2025, more than four decades after Charles Miller’s death, his murder remains one of the many unsolved cases that haunt Los Angeles.
Crime Immemorial 