Minnesota’s School of Music honours Herbie Miller

Director/Curator of the Jamaica Music Museum (JaMM), Herbie Miller, will be honoured with the Scholar of Distinction Award by the University of Minnesota’s School of Music during its 2025 International Summer Institute for Reggae Studies, taking place from May 19–23.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, and recognises Miller’s outstanding contributions as a historian, curator, and presenter of Jamaican music.

“His work has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Jamaica’s rich musical heritage both locally and internationally. He has led numerous cultural tours across Japan, the United States, Brazil, and Europe, efforts that have significantly advanced his mission of introducing reggae music to new markets and strengthening its global reach,” JaMM said in a press release.

Joining Miller in receiving accolades are two other luminaries in the field of Jamaican music: Ken Bilby, an esteemed ethnomusicologist and historian, who will also receive a Scholar of Distinction Award; and Sly Dunbar, the legendary drummer and producer, who will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Music, as far as I’m concerned, is the greatest calling card Jamaica has had in its history,” Miller said.

“Nothing ... nor no one ... has done more for this country than our music. It behoves the private and public sector to collaborate on establishing a physical structure in downtown Kingston to highlight that which has given Jamaica its unique identity. To quote Kamala Harris: ‘Jamaica is a big country and a small island’,” Miller added.

Under Miller’s leadership, JaMM has curated numerous impactful exhibitions and events that delve into the depths of Jamaican music and culture. Notably, he spearheaded the annual Grounation series, a cornerstone event during Reggae and Black History Month. Since its inception in 2012, Grounation has become a vital forum for exploring the intersections of music, politics, and society.

Miller’s dedication extends beyond exhibitions. He has been a strong advocate for the development of a state-of-the-art cultural complex to house the Jamaica Music Museum – complete with a concert hall, cabaret room, and a top-tier restaurant – envisioned as a fitting home for the nation’s musical legacy.

In addition to his curatorial achievements, Miller’s career spans roles as a musicologist, social analyst, songwriter, and music producer. Two of his compositions, Feel it and Survival Plan, have been featured in major Hollywood films, including The Manchurian Candidate starring Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.

Survival Plan, written by Miller and performed by Big Youth, stands as a testament to his songwriting prowess. He has also managed some of Jamaica’s most iconic musical talents, including Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, and The Skatalites. His scholarly contributions include numerous essays and publications on Jamaican music and its cultural impact.