I talk with three-time grammy winner, multi-instrumental singer songwriter, winner of numerous Native American Music Awards, and acclaimed painter, Bill Miller. Born on the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation in northern Wisconsin, his big break came when Tori Amos discovered his music and invited him to open her tour for the Under the Pink album. They toured together for over a year. After that it was the same thing with Pearl Jam.
If you ever saw Disney’s Pocahontas, you remember the song “Colors of the Wind” sung by Vanessa Williams. Bill's flute playing throughout. That song won a Grammy and both the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
I’m really just scratching the surface of what Bill has achieved in his life. I met him when he played on my song “Crow Country”. We’ve since become good friends, sharing shows together, hanging out. I look up to him — as an example of grace and wisdom and a deep sense of honoring the Spirit which animates us all.
We talk about his life and perspective on creativity and where it might come from. We discuss the importance of acknowledging loss and setbacks without allowing them to define you. Finally, he let me sit in on a couple of his original songs. It was a great day in the studio.
Bill Miller performs his original song "Dark River" live on the Morse Code Podcast
Bill Miller performs his original song "Native Prayer" live on the Morse Code Podcast
Bill Miller performs his original song "The Storm" live on the Morse Code Podcast
Find Bill:
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~ Korby
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