University Libraries Special Collections & Archives acquired a unique and distinguished collection in summer of 2024 as the archives of world-renowned jazz drummer Butch Miles came into its possession. The collection was donated by Miles’ widow Linda Benjamin-Miles and includes two vintage Ludwig drum kits, photographs, news articles and many more artifacts from his acclaimed career.
In addition to his musical fame, Butch Miles was also a former Texas State University faculty member, where for nearly two decades he served as a senior lecturer in the jazz studies program.
Two archivists from the Special Collections and Archives team --Processing Archivist Meghan Willoughby and Special Collections & Archives Librarian Jason Crouch are ensuring the voluminous catalog of materials are preserved for exploration and discovery.
“Miles’s performance history is extensive due to his work with established names such as Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Mel Torme, and Dave Brubeck,” said Willoughby.
“In the mid-70s, Butch landed a job as drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra, enhancing the circulation of his name across the globe. He had consistent endorsement by drum and cymbal manufacturers, Ludwig and Zildjian, and gave many clinics and lessons to aspiring drummers.”
At the beginning of processing, Willoughby and Crouch determined the collection would be organized thematically and chronologically. The collection includes an astonishing number of signed autographs by long-known names in jazz—Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan, Sammy Davis Jr., and more—reflecting Miles’s steady passion for jazz music. Posters exhibiting his performances with the Count Basie Orchestra demonstrate the enjoyment of jazz music across the globe and interviews in both domestic and international magazines reveal his influence as a jazz drummer for many decades. Condensing the lengthy list of possible organization options proved difficult for the archivists, but through continued discussions about musicians who were Miles’s idols—and a few breaks while listening to his recordings for inspiration—it can certainly be said the collection will be easily accessible for viewing by patrons. Researchers will be able to review collection materials in the Alkek Library and plans are underway for future online exhibit.
Processing the Butch Miles Memorabilia and Papers collection preserves his legacy as a world-renowned jazz drummer and provides researchers with primary sources about a musician with decades of experience.
“His impact as a dedicated faculty member encouraged the renaming of the annual Texas State University jazz festival which features internationally recognized jazz performers and an all-day middle and high school student jazz recital,” said Crouch. “The Butch Miles Jazz Festival occurs every February, celebrating his legacy in San Marcos, Texas and around the world as shown by his innumerable performances over the decades as a musician.”
If you would like to view this collection following the completion of processing by the Special Collections and Archives team, please click the Contact Us button on the Special Collections and Archives homepage to schedule time for viewing. The Butch Miles Memorabilia and Papers collection is expected to be available for viewing by Fall 2026.