History of Steve Miller Band in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2025

The Steve Miller Band, an American rock band formed in 1966 in San Francisco, achieved significant success in the mid-to-late 1970s with hit singles that became classic rock staples. Led by Steve Miller, the band initially formed as the Steve Miller Blues Band before shortening its name. They released their debut album, *Children of the Future*, in 1968 and followed with a string of successful albums including *Sailor*, *The Joker*, *Fly Like an Eagle*, and *Book of Dreams*. Their *Greatest Hits 1974–78* album sold over 13 million copies. Steve Miller was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2016.

1965: Goldberg-Miller Blues Band Founded

In 1965, Steve Miller and Barry Goldberg founded the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band in Chicago after Miller moved there to play the blues.

1966: Band formed in San Francisco

In 1966, the Steve Miller Band was formed in San Francisco, California. The band is led by Steve Miller.

1967: Contract with Capitol Records

In 1967, Harvey Kornspan negotiated the Steve Miller Band's contract with Capitol Records.

February 1968: Debut album recorded

In February 1968, the Steve Miller Band recorded their debut album, Children of the Future.

March 1968: Children of the Future recorded in England

In March 1968, while in England, the Steve Miller Band recorded their debut album, Children of the Future, at Olympic studios. The band was also arrested for 'importing drugs and possession of a dangerous firearm', but the accusations were dropped.

October 1968: Sailor album released

In October 1968, the Steve Miller Band released their second album, Sailor, which included the single "Living in the USA".

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1968: Albums and singles released

Since 1968, the Steve Miller Band has released albums and singles and currently has released 18 studio albums, six live albums, seven (official) compilation albums, and at least 29 singles.

1969: Brave New World & Your Saving Grace released

In 1969, the Steve Miller Band released Brave New World, featuring "Space Cowboy" and "My Dark Hour" and the album 'Your Saving Grace'.

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1970: Number 5 released

In 1970, the Steve Miller Band released the album Number 5.

1971: Miller breaks neck in car accident

In 1971, Steve Miller broke his neck in a car accident, leading Capitol Records to release the album Rock Love.

1972: Anthology compilation released

In 1972, Capitol Records released the double album compilation Anthology, which contained 16 songs from five of the band's first seven albums.

1973: The Joker released

In 1973, the Steve Miller Band released The Joker, which marked a shift towards a more straightforward rock sound. The title track became a No. 1 single.

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January 11, 1974: The Joker certified gold

On January 11, 1974, The Joker was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.

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1974: Greatest Hits album released

In 1974, the Steve Miller Band released the album Greatest Hits 1974–78.

1976: "Rock'n Me" knocks "If You Leave Me Now" out of the No. 1 spot.

In 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock'n Me" knocked Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" out of the No. 1 spot.

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1977: Book of Dreams released

In 1977, the Steve Miller Band released the album Book of Dreams, which included the songs "Jet Airliner", "Jungle Love", and "Swingtown".

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1978: Greatest Hits album success

In 1978, The Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits 1974–78 album, released in 1978, sold over 15 million copies.

1978: Greatest Hits 1974-78 released

In 1978, the Steve Miller Band released 'Greatest Hits 1974–78', which has sold over 13 million copies.

1982: Abracadabra album released

In 1982, Steve Miller released the album Abracadabra, which gave him his third No. 1 success with the title track.

September 20, 1988: Death of Tim Davis

On September 20, 1988, Tim Davis, a founding member of Steve Miller Band, died from complications due to diabetes at the age of 44.

October 30, 2009: Death of Norton Buffalo

On October 30, 2009, long-time Steve Miller Band member Norton Buffalo died from lung cancer.

June 15, 2010: Bingo! album released

On June 15, 2010, Steve Miller Band released Bingo!, an album of blues and R&B covers.

October 26, 2010: Death of John King

On October 26, 2010, John King, drummer during "The Joker" era, died after a short battle with kidney cancer.

April 18, 2011: Let Your Hair Down album released

On April 18, 2011, Steve Miller Band released Let Your Hair Down, a companion release to Bingo!.

May 2011: Death of James Cooke

In May 2011, James Cooke, a former guitarist for the Steve Miller Band, died from cancer.

April 28, 2013: Death of Lonnie Turner

On April 28, 2013, original bassist Lonnie Turner died from lung cancer. Turner's time with the band led to songs such as Jet Airliner, Swingtown, Take the Money And Run, and Jungle Love.