The life, music and enduring legacy of acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Frankie Miller will be celebrated at a special event at Dimbola this Saturday (29th August).
Friends, fellow musicians and fans will gather at Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater Bay for an evening dedicated to Miller, whose distinctive rock and blues vocals earned him admiration from some of the biggest names in music.
Among those taking part will be his close friend and biographer Davy Arthur, legendary guitarist Dick Taylor and vocalist Jo Larcombe.
Miller also has a connection to one of the biggest events in Isle of Wight music history, having performed at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival as part of the band Howl.
The Dimbola celebration comes on the weekend marking the 56th anniversary of the famous 1970 Festival, which took place at Afton Down between 26th and 31st August and featured acts including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors and Joni Mitchell.
Miller’s career saw him win praise from musicians including Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and the Eagles, while establishing himself as a highly regarded singer and songwriter.
He has been unable to perform since suffering a devastating brain haemorrhage in 1994.
At the centre of Saturday’s event will be an ‘In Conversation’ between Davy Arthur and acclaimed sculptor and broadcaster Guy Portelli.
Arthur, who has known Miller for decades and written 2 books about his life and career, will share personal memories, little-known stories and insights into the man behind the music.
There will also be live performances of some of Miller’s best-known songs, with Dick Taylor – a founding member of The Pretty Things and a former member of The Rolling Stones – accompanying vocalist Jo Larcombe.
Dr Brian Hinton, Executive Chair of Dimbola Museum and Galleries, said:
“Frankie Miller’s time in the spotlight was brief but explosive, one of the greatest soul singers of his time, now cruelly retired from active service.
“But his legacy shines bright!”
The evening will begin at 18:00 for an 18:30 start and is expected to finish at around 20:45, with a short interval and a pay bar available.
Davy Arthur will also be signing copies of his books at the end of the evening.
