Legendary Cajun Steeler Rodney Miller

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 30 Aug 2015 2:50 pm

Our Cajun Community has lost arguably the most creative steel player in Cajun music. Rodney "Hot Rod" Miller passed away today after battling many health issues. He paved the way for all of us to learn. His creativity is evident in all of our players today as we continue to try to emulate the Master of Cajun pedal steel.

Joe Rogers · Post by **Joe Rogers** » 30 Aug 2015 4:02 pm

I just received the news about Rodney. First met him in the early 80's when I moved to Lafayette. He was one of the pioneers and was well respected among all the Cajun musicians. I never really got the chance to study his style, he wasn't playing much at that time, however I have performed onstage with 2 of his sons...

Joe Rogers

Bob Stone · Post by **Bob Stone** » 2 Sep 2015 9:34 am

A big loss to Cajun music. Rodney was a huge influence in shaping the Cajun steel style and a great singer as well.

Ricky Thibodeaux · Post by **Ricky Thibodeaux** » 2 Sep 2015 3:58 pm

Rodney on steel with late great Aldus Roger in 1954
Rodney was 16 at the time..
He also played fiddle,accordion,piano just to name a few. He played steel for my dad on several occasions in the late 60's early 70's

Ricky Thibodeaux · Post by **Ricky Thibodeaux** » 2 Sep 2015 4:04 pm

Here's a nice little clip of Rodney on steel.
https://youtu.be/TzERKCTWZz0

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 2 Sep 2015 7:33 pm

Ricky fails to mention his own father's (Geno Thibodeaux) influence in Cajun music as well. Geno was an incredible vocalist and one if my all time favorites! I was fortunate enough to play many times with him. Rodeny was the most influential steel player without a doubt and a really great guy! He will be missed by all of us.

Ricky Thibodeaux · Post by **Ricky Thibodeaux** » 3 Sep 2015 2:45 am

Thanks for the kind words David, BTW Geno was inducted into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame last week with pics posted at the museum in Eunice.

LJ Eiffert · Post by **LJ Eiffert** » 3 Sep 2015 7:39 am

I think the last time I seen Rodney Miller was at the Cajun Bandstand in Kenner,Louisiana with Allan F.I know Fred Charlie sure liked Him(Rodney). He did a few gigs with my late friend Cleat Wooley at the Key Hole Club on the West Bank. I Remember Dee Dee Ward & John Henry Scott there. RIP Rodney. One More History Musician Louisiana Great Gone to Music Heaven.