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.
Forward Ever Backward Never
Jacob Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Going to mash the town
So gather the people from around
Get dem to rock to the sound
A mi say, sing this song of culture
A mi say, singing dem songs of love
A mi say, singing dem songs of culture
A mi say, forward ever and a backward never
Forward ever and a back, a backward never
Yeah - woh-oh - yeah!
Songs for the people to unite
Teaching them not to fight
Manners must turn to discipline
That′s what your justice will a, will a bring!
Sing dem a song of culture
A mi say, singing dem songs of love
A mi say, singing dem a song of a culture
A mi say, singing dem a songs of love
A mi say, forward ever and a backward never
Forward ever and a back, a backward never
A backward never, a backward never, yeah
(.)
A mi say, singing dem a song of a culture
A mi say, singing dem a songs of love
Singing dem a song of a culture
A mi say, singing dem a songs of love
A mi say, forward ever and a backward never
Forward ever and a back, a backward never
A backward never, a backward never-never-never-never
Singing dem a song of a culture
A mi say, singing dem a songs of love
A mi say, sing dem song of culture
A mi say, singing dem a songs of love
A mi say, forward ever and a backward never
Forward ever and a back, a backward never
A backward never, a backward never
In "Forward Ever Backward Never," Jacob Miller showcases his sound system, which he refers to as a "top ranking sound," with an aim to unite people through music. Miller stresses the importance of culture and love in his music and encourages people to come together, enjoy the sound system, and unite under the banner of love and culture. He emphasizes the need for discipline rather than violence and advocates for justice and unity.
Miller repeats the phrase "Forward ever and backward never" throughout the song, which represents his message of progress and unity. He urges listeners not to dwell on past mistakes but to move forward with positivity and love. Overall, the song sends a clear message about the power and significance of music in bringing people together and promoting positivity and cultural harmony.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a top rankin' sound
I have a high-quality sound system
Going to mash the town
I am going to make the town lively and energetic
So gather the people from around
Bring people from nearby areas
Get dem to rock to the sound
Encourage them to dance to the music
Sing this song of culture
This song is about cultural values
Singing dem songs of love
This song is about spreading love and kindness
Forward ever and a backward never
Always move forward, never backward
Songs for the people to unite
This song is meant to bring people together
Teaching them not to fight
Teaching people to resolve conflicts peacefully
Manners must turn to discipline
People need to learn to be more self-disciplined
That's what your justice will a, will a bring!
This will lead to a more just society
Singing dem a song of culture
This song is about cultural values
Forward ever and a backward never
Always move forward, never backward
Singing dem a song of love
This song is about spreading love and kindness
A backward never-never-never-never
We must always move forward and never backtrack
Sing dem song of culture
This song is about cultural values
Writer(s): jacob miller
Contributed by Henry J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@edyaziz
I've got a top rankin' sound
Going to mash the town
So gather the people from around
Get dem to rock to the sound
A mi say, sing this song of culture
A mi say, singing dem songs of love
A mi say, singing dem songs of culture
A mi say, singing dem songs of love
A mi say, forward ever and a backward never
Forward ever and a back, a backward never
Yeah - woh-oh - yeah
Songs for the people to unite
Teaching them not to fight
Manners must turn to discipline
That's what your justice will a, will a bring!
Sing dem a song of culture
A mi say, singing dem songs of love
A mi say, singing dem a song of a culture
A mi say, singing dem a songs of love
A mi say, forward ever and a backward never
Forward ever and a back, a backward never, a backward never, a backward never
Yeah...
@wulfpv
Better than anything on the radio today. Most definetley...
@blondelolita3996
One of my favs songs 4ever and never!!
Master piece! 🏆🦁✨
@goranlandikusic6759
Gone far too soon!! Such a legend though
@JohnDoe-sm7zm
This brother voice was beautiful rip Jacob even tho u were not in my generation u are still a son of Jacob May the most high rest his soul
@emmanuelerendu4301
He died so young he was so good i love him so much i do play his songs even till now
@stewartjacobs510
i listen to his voice and lyrics and wonder why the good die so young - well done Jacob Miller
@TrueKing
Nuff Love n Respect Jacob Killer Miller‼️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️💛💚
@bobbye.wright4424
Rest in power brotha jacob miller
@cutabovemusic
Legendary! One of the best ever. In my category with Bob and Dennis
@okalright8097
Yes, agreed. Brown, Marley and Miller. Ironically they're also my lawyer's