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Steve Miller Band Member Norton Buffalo Dies at 58

Norton BuffaloNorton Buffalo, a singer-songwriter and the harmonica player for the Steve Miller Band since 1975, died Friday, Oct. 30, at the age of 58. Buffalo first wrote about being diagnosed with lung cancer in September after feeling ill following a concert. After his personal doctor mistakenly told him that his lungs sounded fine, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma of the lower right lobe, with a subsequent MRI revealing that it had spread to his brain.

Born Sept. 28, 1951 in Oakland, Calif., Buffalo played with the Steve Miller Band for 34 years and performed with the group on its 2009 summer tour. As a session player, Norton's harmonica was heard on records by the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Mickey Hart, Commander Cody and Elvin Bishop.

He also recorded several albums with the Stampede and appeared in several movies. He issued his solo debut, 'Lovin' in the Valley of the Moon', on Capitol Records in 1977. A year later, he dropped 'Desert Horizon'. Norton also led his own band, the Knockouts, and teamed with blues slide guitarist Roy Rogers for 'R&B,' which included the Grammy-nominated track 'Song for Jessica.'

Just ahead of his passing, Buffalo wrote, "While the tumor in my lung has receded a little bit, a couple of the tumors in my brain have grown. My doctors are now talking about the next step being full brain radiation and believe that I should begin that ASAP. [We] are doing research into that as we speak and we are, as well, looking for insight, personal experiences and/or more knowledge or alternatives that any of you may have regarding that."

"It sounds like such a daunting concept," he added. "As my brain is what connects me to my body and all of the gifts of love laughter, music, friendships and spirituality, I of course have some fears about how and what the radiation may affect. There is a heap more homework for us to do to learn about this before making choices and moving forward. Seems that the prayers and healing work did some good with my lungs, maybe we need to focus them more on my brain now ... Blessings to you!!"

Buffalo is survived by his wife; children, Aisah and Elias; stepchildren, Sierra Ruelas and Bo Winterburn; father, Ken Jackson of Paradise; and five brothers and sisters. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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roy martin

bought steve miller's bingo today, read about Norton's passing. took the edge off if it. the worst part, he passed on my birthday!God bless you . Roy.

June 27 2010 at 5:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doug White

Very saddened to hear this. I saw him with the Stampede in Fresno a long time ago. Loved the album "Loving in the Valley of the Moon". Wore three albums out. Rest In Peace, My prayers to the family.

February 07 2010 at 3:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lorraine

"as the train leaves the station", the song that Norton wrote for the movie "The Rose", can now be played for him, this dear and talented man. I'm so happy I have all your CDs to remember you by. My sympathy to your lovely wife and family. Will miss you so much at the Palms in Winters.

November 17 2009 at 3:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mel Bowers

Norton was a great person and family friend. I remember the great Monopoly games we played when I was attending Sonoma Valley High School. Norton would seem to always be the one to get the best properties and put hotels on them ... and devastate us all. I remember the countless hours he would spend with my step father, David Chavoya (Hellhounds blue band harmonica player)teaching him the skill of playing the chromatic harmonica. These memories all will stay with me forever as great times when I was young. Norton was a wonderful human being .....he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends that seem to span the globe.

November 07 2009 at 10:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tim Riley

thoughts and prayers are with family thanks for all the great classic music will be missed always kept me going when having bad day in trucking industry listen to your music.

November 04 2009 at 7:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
EDLO

I remember Norton From the Inn Of the Beginning In Cotati California in the Mid 70's, he was like the house band, lots of fun. My family has always loved his music and all my kids are Buffalo fans. He was Playing with Roy at the Freight and Salvage a few years ago. My daughter had just come back home from basic training and we treated her to the show. In the rest room I saw Norton and told him how my daughter was in for a short time and that one of her favorite songs was Tender Heart. Just asked if he was planning on playing it. He said he would see, he closed the show with Tender Heart and dedicated to my daughter. She was in tears the entire song. Very Special Girl, Very special moment,Very special man.

November 03 2009 at 7:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doc Span

I knew Norton and met him during the filming of 'Heavens Gate' at Glacier Park,Montana. He sat in with every band in the Flathead. He could play any style of music! One night at St.Mary's on the east side of the continental divide, I witnessed an unforgetable, spiritual performance from him, playing solo on the vocal mic. When he got off stage, I said...wow!,the tone of that harmonica penetrated all of our souls, what did you feel up there? He responded by saying, "I felt the stillness of the night ,the stars up in the big sky and the spirit in the silence when people listen to music" Then the aurora borealis started up in the northern sky and I said to him,"look what you made happen, Norton"

November 03 2009 at 7:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alan Stass

I am so sad right now. I was lucky enough to hear him play in Healdsburg at the Raven, along with Roy Rogers.
He had a style like nobody else on the harp! Blew me away!
Roy must be very, very sad. My love to his family.
Sorry.

November 02 2009 at 9:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ausscyn

Oh Norton, we will ALL miss you with every harp fibre in our being. We had listend to Norton for years & bought all his albums, but we didn't meet him til the late 70's when he & Roy Rogers were playing at the Crows Nest in Santa Cruz. It was a week night & it was getting late & they just would not close the show. The groove was just too good. We remarked that we wouldn't be able to get up in time for work, & Norton & Roy offered to write tardy slips for us. The last time we saw Norton was last year when he played at Artown in Reno. His sweet licks sliding up between the trees, and caressing the Truckee River waters were like God's own voice. There will never be anyone like Norton - truly a most creative man in touch with the muses.

LOVE YOU, NORTON!!!!

Cynthia & Patrick
Reno Blues Society

November 02 2009 at 9:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply