An evening celebrating the extraordinary life, music and enduring legacy of Scottish singer-songwriter Frankie Miller was held at Dimbola Museum and Galleries on Saturday (29th August 2026), brought together friends, musicians and admirers to hear an ‘In Conversation’ between his long-time friend and biographer, Davy Arthur and artist and sculptor, Guy Portelli, and to hear Frankie’s music played and sung by Dick Taylor and Jo Larcombe.
The event marked Frankie Miller’s special connection with the Isle of Wight, especially his appearance at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, when he performed with the band Howl. Held exactly 56 years after that historic festival, the evening provided an opportunity to remember Miller’s remarkable career and the lasting influence of his music.
A friendship in conversation
Frankie Miller’s career may have been cut tragically short when he suffered a devastating brain haemorrhage in 1994, but his reputation as a singer and songwriter has endured.
His powerful, soulful voice and distinctive songwriting earned the admiration of artists including Rod Stewart, who said he was his favourite singer, Elton John, the Eagles and Billy Connelly – a good friend in his early days.
Music brought to life
The entertaining and revealing ‘In Conversation’ drew on decades of friendship and two books about Miller’s life and career, with Davy sharing personal memories, stories and insights into the man behind the music.
Plus, there were excerpts from a documentary that was made about Frankie and live performances of some of Frankie Miller’s best-known songs, with legendary guitarist Dick Taylor, founding member of The Pretty Things and former member of The Rolling Stones, accompanying acclaimed vocalist Jo Larcombe.
For many in the audience, the evening was a chance not only to hear Frankie’s music performed live, but also to celebrate a remarkable artist whose contribution to British rock, blues and soul music deserves to be remembered.
A legacy worth remembering
Dr Brian Hinton, Executive Chair of Dimbola Museum and Galleries, said,
“Frankie Miller’s time in the spotlight was brief but explosive. He was one of the greatest soul singers of his generation and was cruelly forced to retire from active performance. But his legacy shines bright, and it was a privilege for Dimbola to host an evening celebrating his extraordinary life and music.”
The event also formed part of Dimbola’s continuing celebration of the Isle of Wight’s extraordinary musical heritage and its place in the story of popular music.
Echoes of the 1970 festival
Frankie Miller’s appearance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival links him directly to one of the most significant chapters in the Island’s cultural history. The festival, held at Afton Down in August 1970, featured some of the defining artists of the era, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors and Joni Mitchell.
The evening concluded with a book signing by Davy Arthur, giving guests the opportunity to meet the author and biographer and to take home a further piece of Frankie Miller’s remarkable story.
News shared by Jo on behalf of Dimbola. Ed
