Miles grew up in Hinton and became one of America’s top jazz drummers. He started playing drums at 15 and performed in local clubs before studying music at West Virginia State College (now University).

His big break came when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, later backing up stars such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett. He also appeared on TV and in movies.

After years of touring, Miles became a music teacher in Texas. He was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2011.