1) Jacob Mil… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least 2 singers sharing the name Jacob Miller.
1) Jacob Miller (born in Mandeville, Jamaica on 4 May 1952 – 23 March 1980) was a Jamaican reggae artist. He was the first to record with Clement Dodd. While pursuing a prolific solo career, he became the lead singer for reggae group Inner Circle with whom he recorded until his death in a car accident at the age of 27.
He recorded three songs for Dodd, including “Love is a Message” in 1968, which the Swaby brothers, (Horace, later called Augustus Pablo, and Garth) played at their Rockers Sound System. While the song did not garner much success nor maintain Dodd's attention in Miller, it resulted in Pablo’s sustained interest in Miller.
Jacob was featured in the film Rockers, alongside Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth and Burning Spear. In the movie, he plays the singer of a hotel houseband, played by Inner Circle, who are joined on drums by the films hero, Horsemouth (Leroy Wallace) and play a wicked live version of Tenement Yard.
Miller had close links with Bob Marley, who was known to promote him as 'My favourite singer'. One of Jacob Millers biggest Jamaican hits 'Tired Fe Lick Weed' betrayed his political leanings as can be seen in his performance of the song in the film 'Heartland Reggae', where his open enjoyment of a 'ganja spliff' on stage was intended to be seen as a militant statement.
Millers most potent works are often attributed to the 'rockers' singles of the mid 1970's with the band Inner Circle, with tracks like 'Tenement yard', 'Tired fe Lick Weed' and 'Stand Firm' among them. However the track which has brought him the most lasting recognition is the rockers standard 'King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown' with Augustus Pablo. Other notable tracks with Augustus Pablo include 'Keep on Knocking, 'False Rasta' and 'Who Say Jah No Dread', all produced by King Tubby.
Jacob Miller had a unique vocal style, using staccato motifs in counter play with the rhythm section, a perfect example of which is 'Tired Fe Lick Weed'. Miller was an intelligent and original artist, and recognised his own potential to lead, releasing a re-cut of his own track 'Tenement Yard' with the title 'To Much Imitator', a straight out attack on those trying to copy his style.
With an obvious energy, Jacob Miller was a magnetic presence on stage,and his appearance at the 'One Love Peace Concert' in Jamaica, April 1978 was typical 'Killer' Miller. Mesmerising and full of life, Jacob Miller invited members of the Jamaican political coalition, the 'Peace Committee' on to the stage for a rendition of 'Peace Treaty Special', conducting crowd, band, press and guests all with his customary zeal.
Some of Millers later work has been seen by reggae purists to be too much of an attempt at finding a commercial avenue for his music, with his yearning for success becoming evident on the track, 'I've Learned My Lesson Well', from the Island Records album 'Everything Is Great' from 1979.
This album, from musical point of view, is almost totaly unconnected to his earlier 'roots' work, and exhibits the ability of the Inner Circle band to adapt to different genres, using strong disco themes here. It is with some irony then, that Jacob Millers lasting contribution to the reggae genre will be forever focused on those 'rockers' tracks, which are, at least culturally, perhaps more important than reaching 'The top 100'.
Miller died very young in a car accident, cutting abruptly short a promising career that had already taken young Jacob from 'yard' (Jamaica) to an international record deal with Island Records.
Miller had planned to perform along with Bob Marley and Inner Circle in Brasil and then to tour with them; this tour was cancelled after Miller's untimely death.
2) Wisconsin native Jacob Miller left his hometown for Portland, OR the summer of 2009 via Amtrak, bringing with him only a suitcase and an electric guitar. After one year in the city he left to travel North America, both to study and perform music while working on various farms and ranches between travels. Time spent as a farm hand in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina shaped his devotion to the finger-picking style of the region. Spending countless hours playing alongside vintage recordings and local old-timers in the surrounding areas of Appalachia, Miller delved into the inner workings of the music’s style and history.
After 7 years leading a jazz sextet and performing both internationally and throughout North America, Miller now focuses his efforts on a different kind of songwriting and storytelling. Whether it be playing for thousands at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or for 5 people in a Midwest living room, Jacob's passion, voice and laid-back demeanor create an intimate connection with audiences far and wide.
With an affinity for minimalist pop and firm roots planted in American traditional music, Jacob Miller crafts a timeless sound unique to his voice, style and abilities.
In 2019, Jacob released his debut record, ‘This New Home,’ which displays his abilities as a performer, writer and composer. Recorded and performed entirely by Miller in a Portland home-turned-studio, songs and ideas come together to form an album that is honest and heartfelt.
In 2020, he was also a featured performer on NBC’s The Voice; working with Nick Jonas and James Taylor among others.
On May 15th, Jacob will release new music since his debut solo release. “Quarantine,” out May 15th, is a collaborative project accomplished through isolation during the period of COVID-19 and shelter-in-place. It features 2 new singles, an accompanying music video, and a cast of PNW artists.
All Might Till Daylight
Jacob Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Filly-val, filly-val
Chiddle-rup-a-chill, woii
Fest-festival
Jenny and har sista
From Manchester
Buck up on I
It was all night, 'til daylight
It was all night, 'til daylight, aye-chee-ah
I man I
I nah jester
I go hot up
Jenny and har sister
It was all night, 'til daylight
It was all night, 'til daylight, aye-chee-ah
Sister Jenny
Har sista too, Mary
Said dem come from from from from from
A good family
But it's all night, 'til daylight
All night, 'til daylight (festival)
One inna 'pike heel
Di odda inna blue boot
When di music tek dem
Dem seh, "Ites rules, natty roots"
It was all night, 'til daylight
All night, 'til daylight
All night, 'til daylight (festival)
All night, (Carifesta)
'Til daylight, oh yeah
All night, 'til daylight (we ah jump and shout)
All night, (festival)
'Til daylight
All night, 'til daylight
All night, 'til daylight
The lyrics of Jacob Miller's song All Night Till Daylight are about a fun night Jenny and her sister had at the Caribbean Festival, known as Carifesta. The song starts with some nonsensical words, "Festival-val, Filly-val, filly-val, Chiddle-rup-a-chill, woii Fest-festival." These words are meant to mimic the sound of the drums and music that is played at the festival. Jenny and her sister, who are from Manchester, come to Carifesta and run into the singer, I. They spend the whole night dancing and having fun until daylight.
The song talks about the dress style of the girls, with one wearing pike heels and the other in blue boots. When the music starts, the girls can't resist and start moving to the beat. The use of the phrase "Ites rules, natty roots" in the lyrics is interesting as it reflects the Rastafarian ideals of natural living, resistance to oppression, and spiritual consciousness.
The song captures the spirit of Caribbean festivals where people come to celebrate their culture, music, and traditions. The lyrics are meant to convey the excitement and joy of these festivals, where everyone comes together to have a good time. Overall, the song is about letting go of your worries and enjoying the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Festival-val
The song is about a festival.
Filly-val, filly-val
Chiddle-rup-a-chill, woii
These words don't have a specific meaning, but they are likely meant to be fun sounds to dance to.
Jenny and har sista
From Manchester
Come ah Carifesta
Buck up on I
The singer met two women from Manchester at the Carifesta festival.
It was all night, 'til daylight
It was all night, 'til daylight, aye-chee-ah
The festival went on all night until the sun came up.
I man I
I nah jester
I go hot up
Jenny and har sister
The singer got hot and sweaty dancing with Jenny and her sister.
Sister Jenny
Har sista too, Mary
Said dem come from from from from from
A good family
Jenny and her sister Mary come from a good family.
But it's all night, 'til daylight
All night, 'til daylight (festival)
Despite the fact that they come from a good family, the festival went on all night.
One inna 'pike heel
Di odda inna blue boot
When di music tek dem
Dem seh, "Ites rules, natty roots"
Two women wore different types of shoes, but when the music starts they both agree that reggae music is the best.
All night, 'til daylight (festival)
All night, (Carifesta)
'Til daylight, oh yeah
All night, 'til daylight (we ah jump and shout)
All night, (festival)
'Til daylight
All night, 'til daylight
All night, 'til daylight
The festival continued all night long, with people jumping and shouting until the sun came up.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jacob Miller, Ian Lewis, Roger M. Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind