Who was Miles Davis?

Miles Dewey Davis III  (1926 - 1991)

Miles Davis is widely considered to be one of the most
 original and influential musicians of the 20th century

Pioneered and promoted several major innovations in jazz styles:

      1.  The "Cool" (late 1940s)

      2.  Hard Bop (1954-1957)

      3.  Orchestral jazz (1958-1960)

      4.  Modal Jazz (1958-1968) and "Free-bop" (free form Jazz (1966-1969)

      5.  Electric Jazz-Rock-Funk "Fusion" (1969- 1989)


Born to an affluent family in East St. Louis, Mo.  At 19, briefly attended Julliard School of Music in NYC but spent his nights in Harlem meeting and playing with beboppers and pursuing Charlie Parker.

Developed what may be the most distinct trumpet sound/style in jazz history.

Played with many of the greatest jazz musicians ever, including:

      Charlie Parker, Gil Evans, Lee Konitz, Gerry Mulligan, Milt Jackson, 

      John Lewis, Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins, Paul Chambers, 

      John Coltrane, Bill Evans, "Phillie" Joe Jones, Cannonball Adderley, 

     Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Ron Carter, Chick Corea, 

     Dave Holland, Joe Zawinul, Jack DeJohnette, Keith Jarrett, Billy Cobham, 

     John McLaughlin, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Miller

Miles is well known for his enigmatic persona:

     Trendsetting fashion sense

     A low, raspy voice due to a vocal cord injury

     Stubborn, arrogant, stand-offish, proud, defiant, uncompromising, and cool


Monikers:  “The prince of darkness” “The Picasso of jazz”