Local blues icon William “Mr. Stress” Miller, who began his career back in 1966, passed away on May 19, and members of the local blues community have planned a memorial that takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at the Euclid Tavern. In addition, local bluesman Colin Dussault has commissioned a 16″ x 10″ x 2″ granite wall memorial that he hopes might be affixed to the Euclid Tavern or the Rock Hall in honor of the musician.
“In lieu of a ‘normal’ wake in a funeral home, we opted to honor his memory at the Euclid Tavern,” says Dussault in a press release. “It’s a venue he loved and a room that honors his life and the life he spent making music. I anticipate a full club and full stage of musicians ‘playing their respects’ to a great harmonica player and legendary figure.” Miller will be cremated and an urn will be placed on stage along with his blue band jacket and a pair of his shoes.
This article appears in May 20-26, 2015.
Colin Dussault redefined what a true friend is all about as he assisted William “Mr. Stress” Miller over the past several years.