Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis III was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. Davis adopted a variety of musical directions in a five-decade career that kept him at the forefront of many major stylistic developments in jazz.

Born in Alton, Illinois, Davis moved to New York City in 1944 to study at the Juilliard School. He dropped out after finding classes too academic, preferring to learn on the job in the bustling 52nd Street jazz scene.

In the mid-1950s, Davis was at the forefront of several major developments in jazz. He helped pioneer the cool jazz movement and later experimented with modal jazz, which moved away from traditional harmony. His 1959 album 'Kind of Blue' remains the best-selling jazz album of all time.

In the late 1960s, Davis began experimenting with jazz-rock fusion, incorporating electric instruments and rock rhythms. Albums like 'Bitches Brew' and 'In a Silent Way' pushed the boundaries of jazz and influenced countless musicians across genres.

Throughout his career, Davis was known for his restless innovation, constantly evolving his sound and collaborating with younger musicians. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his influence beyond jazz.