Buddy Miller first met the late Don Heffington in the 1980s through Victoria Williams. “He became my favorite drummer and the coolest person I knew—those two things still remain,” says Miller, a multi-talented producer, guitarist and sideman known for his work with Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris and a host of others.
The 72-year-old Miller is of the same generation as Heffington, who lost his battle with leukemia in 2021 at age 70. Kicking off his illustrious career as the drummer for ’80s alt-country pioneers Lone Justice, Heffington went on to work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, the Jayhawks, Emmylou Harris, Vic Chesnutt, Elvis Costello and countless others. Miller learned about his friend’s talents away from the kit years after the two first met.
“It was maybe around the time he made (1995’s) In The Red with our friend Tammy Rogers,” says Miller. “He’s a soulful singer … And, man, ‘Psalms’ (from In The Red) is eternal. I really dug his later solo records, too.”
Calling from the hospital, Heffington asked Miller to take on “Fired Again” for Tonight I’ll Go Down Swingin’, the upcoming tribute album he curated and performed on before his death. Available October 18 via Nine Mile/Clover Music Group, the LP features a diverse slate of talent, from Jackson Browne, Dave Alvin and Eleni Mandell to Peter Case, John C. Reilly and Fiona Apple. Victoria Williams also makes an appearance—and proceeds from Tonight I’ll Go Down Swingin’ benefit her Sweet Relief organization, which supports musicians and industry workers in need.
Written by Heffington with Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg, “Fired Again” is a true-blue honky-tonk weeper. For his version, Miller rounded up longtime John Prine bassist Dave Jacques and veteran session drummer Bryan Owings. Grammy-winning producer Steve Fishell adds pedal steel.
“I got players who loved him,” Miller says. “That was easy. Everybody loved Don. I’m not sure I did him justice, but it was meaningful. And I sure miss him.”
We’re proud to premiere Buddy Miller’s “Fired Again.” Also check out Heffington’s live take on the song below.
—Hobart Rowland
