Jacob Miller - Born Mandeville Jamaica 1952 (4th May) Died Kingston Jamaica 1980 (23rd March)
Miller moved to Kingston at the age of eight, whilst growing up there he spent much time at the many music studios, most notably Clement Dodd's Studio One (Whos signed artists were such names as: The Skatalites, The Ethiopians, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Burning Spear, Toots & the Maytals, John Holt, Horace Andy, Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Dennis Brown, Jackie Mittoo, Gladiators, Michigan & Smiley, Wailing Souls, Dillinger, Delroy Wilson, Heptones, Johnny Osbourne, Marcia Griffiths (of the I-Threes) Sugar Minott, The Abyssinians, Culture, Soul Vendors, Lone Ranger, Carlton and The Shoes, Alton Ellis, Willi Williams).
Miller recorded a few solo songs during the early 1970's but his break came when emerging reggae band Inner Circle hired his as a replacement lead singer. Inner Circle with Miller signed for Capitol records in 1976 and went on to release Reggae Thing, and Ready for the World the following year. Miller released his own solo debut album Dread Dread in 1978. That same year Miller performed live at the One Love Peace Concert in Jamaica, the concert was held in the aftermath of the Green Bay Massacre where 5 Jamaica Labour Party supporters were shot dead after being lured into an ambush at the Green Bay Firing Range by members of the Jamaica Defence Force. The Concert was made famous for a number of things, firstly Bob Marleys first live performance in Jamaica since being shot there 3 years previous, it was also known for its highly politicised tension, Marley himself brought on the opposing political leaders (whos parties were causing unrest and conflict) and made them shake hands, lesser known is that Miller brought on stage leaders of rival street gangs during his performance, again in attempt to show peace and re-unite the country.
Miller released a number of solo projects beside working with the inner circle. Jacob Miller passed away 23rd of March 1980 in a car accident in Kingston Jamaica.
Jacob Miller & Inner Circle -
Looking at the different artwork of the music releases by Miller and Inner circle, an understanding of the visual identity of Miller's music became apparent. The bright colours used such as reds, greens and yellows show the positivity of the music and also are colours recognized with reggae and Rastafarian music, and both green and yellow make up parts of the Jamaican flag, a common choice for reggae album art.
Colours used - Bright reds
- Vibrant yellows
- Multiple greens
- Blacks to break up colours
The bright colours can be utilized to celebrate Miller's life, one of the main objectives of the briefs. The black can represent a deep undertone, to make the artwork look also like a remembrance of the man's life and work.
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