We learned of the passing of saxophonist and co-founder of the Pinstripe Brass Band, Dwight Miller, Sr., 70, from his son trumpeter Brice Miller via email.

Born on December 15, 1949 in Uptown New Orleans, Miller was impressed with the sounds of the city as young a student at James Durham Junior High School where he played trumpet in the school band before switching to saxophone. He would later attend Booker T. Washington High School where he performed in the school bands before embarking on a life-long career as a professional musician. He was a member of Doc Paulin’s Brass Band and in 1978 founded the Pinstripe Brass Band.

Mr. Miller was also an avid photographer, motorcycle enthusiast and lover of his fancy fish tanks. Beyond music, Dwight was also an active member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Rascals Bikers and traveled frequently with the Adventure Seekers Travel Club.

Brice Miller said of his dad: “It is with a heavy heart and plenty emotions that I publicly announce the passing of my dad, Dwight J. Miller, Sr. Death is never easy. My dad was my hero. My dad was my inspiration. I am a jazz musician, educator, researcher, business owner, and loving husband and father because of him. This has been the hardest month and a half of my life. Post-coronavirus we’ll celebrate his life with the BIGGEST jazz funeral and cultural sendoff New Orleans has seen in recent memory. He was humble. He was a gentle giant. He did so much for the music and cultural communities of New Orleans. It’s so hard to say goodbye.”

A private service was held on Saturday, April 18th. The Mass of Christian Burial, traditional jazz funeral and cultural celebration of Dwight’s life will be held at a later date following the lifting of the coronavirus’s social restrictions.