Contents
Miles Davis
Leading jazz in new directions through Kind of Blue and electric fusion.
Kind of Blue · Sketches of Spain
- Born
- 26 May 1926
- Birthplace
- Alton, Illinois, United States
- Died
- 28 September 1991
More people
Miles Davis
Miles Davis was an American trumpeter and bandleader whose changing ensembles helped shape several movements in jazz. His spare, distinctive tone remained recognisable as the surrounding music repeatedly evolved.
Early life
East St Louis upbringing
Grew up in a middle-class family and learned trumpet as a teenager.
New York arrival
Moved in 1944 to study at Juilliard and seek out bebop.
Career
- 1940s
Bebop apprenticeship
Played with Charlie Parker and began leading recordings.
- 1950s–1960s
Acoustic groups
Built influential small bands and collaborations with Gil Evans.
- Late 1960s onwards
Electric music
Turned towards amplified instruments, studio editing and funk rhythms.
Selected work
Kind of Blue
Used modal frameworks for spacious improvisation.
Sketches of Spain
Collaboration with Gil Evans drawing on Spanish music.
Bitches Brew
A dense electric ensemble recording assembled through editing.
Beyond work
Visual art
Developed painting and drawing as additional practices.
Personal conduct
His autobiography acknowledges abusive behaviour towards women, part of a troubled personal legacy.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Tom Palumbo from New York City, USA. CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
