James Wesley "Bubber" Miley (April 3, 1903 – May 20, 1932) was an influential American jazz trumpet and cornet player, renowned for his mastery of the plunger mute and his distinctive growling style. Born in Aiken, South Carolina, Miley moved to New York City at the age of six. His early exposure to music came from his family, with his father playing guitar and his sisters forming a vocal group. Initially studying trombone, Miley switched to trumpet and served as a band boy in the Navy during World War I.

After his discharge, Miley began his professional music career in 1920 with the Carolina Five. By 1921, he had joined Mamie Smith's Jazz Hounds, replacing Johnny Dunn, and toured extensively, absorbing influences from King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band in Chicago. Miley's innovative use of mutes and his development of the "wah-wah" sound became defining features of his style.

In 1923, Miley joined Duke Ellington's Washingtonians, initially led by Elmer Snowden. His collaboration with Ellington was pivotal, contributing to the band's transformation into a leading jazz ensemble. Miley co-wrote and performed on several of Ellington's early hits, including "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" and "Black and Tan Fantasy," which showcased his unique sound and were integral to Ellington's "jungle music" style. Despite his significant contributions, Miley's struggles with alcohol led to his dismissal from Ellington's band in 1929.

After leaving Ellington, Miley continued to perform, notably with Zutty Singleton and the Noble Sissle Orchestra, touring France in 1930. He also participated in a musical revue in 1931. Unfortunately, Miley's life was cut short when he died of tuberculosis at the age of 29 on Welfare Island, New York. His legacy endures as a key figure in the development of early jazz and as a major influence on Duke Ellington's early success.