George Allen Miles, Jr. (September 5, 1947 – February 26, 2008), known professionally as Buddy Miles, was an American rock drummer, vocalist, composer, and producer. He was a founding member of The Electric Flag (1967), a member of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys (1969–1970), founder and leader of the Buddy Miles Express and later, the Buddy Miles Band. In addition to Jimi Hendrix, Miles played and recorded with Carlos Santana, Mike Bloomfield, and others. In a lighter vein, he sang lead vocals on the popular "California Raisins" claymation TV commercials and recorded two California Raisins R&B albums. 　　 　　In 2000, Miles collaborated with Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Double Trouble" rhythm section, creating the Buddy Miles Blues Berries album which features Rocky Athas on guitar. 　　 　　Buddy Miles first discovered Rocky Athas' inventive guitar playing in the late 1970's when Rocky's band Lightning opened for Miles Express. Rocky had already been named as one of the original Texas Tornadoes, the ten best guitar players in Texas along with Billy Gibbons, Eric Johnson, Johnny Winter and Jimmy Vaughan. It would be two years before Rocky's school friend, Stevie Ray Vaughan, would receive this honor. 　　 　　This lineup also contributed a spirited version of Jimi Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary" on the Blue Haze, Songs of Jimi Hendrix album in 2001. In addition, Miles also composed and recorded many songs with this new version of the Buddy Miles Express that are yet to be released. It was Miles' most enduring live band. In fact, this touring lineup continued for six years with the same members. In 2009, Rocky Athas joined John Mayall and the historic Bluesbreakers.