Norton Buffalo of Steve Miller Band dies
Norton Buffalo, the harmonica player who performed with the Steve Miller Band for over 30 years, died last Friday night. He was 58.
Buffalo, described as a “virtuoso,” “maestro,” and “one-of-a-kind” performer, was diagnosed with cancer in September.
Buffalo joined the Steve Miller Band in 1976 and continued playing with them for the next 33 years. He also performed with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Roy Rogers, Kenny Loggins, and Bette Midler. In addition to touring and performing with these artists, Buffalo also found time to play with a number of his own groups over the years.
He released his first album in 1977, Lovin’ in the Valley of the Moon, and another in 2000 called King of the Highway.
Buffalo was a native Californian, born in Oakland and raised in Richmond. Both his parents were musicians, his father playing the harmonica and his mother singing.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings, Tom Rigney and Flambeau and the Carlos Reyes Band will appear Nov. 22 in a benefit and memorial at the Paradise Performing Arts Center.
Additionally, Buffalo’s life will be celebrated Jan. 23 at the Fox Theater in Oakland in a benefit concert starring the Steve Miller Band and the Doobie Brothers, with special guests Huey Lewis, George Thorogood, Charlie Musselwhite and Bonnie Raitt.
[photo: Pat Johnson]
Tags: cancer, harmonica, Norton Buffalo, Roy Rogers, Steve Miller Band
