Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26 1926 to September 28 1991) was one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century. A trumpeter, bandleader and composer, Davis was at the forefront of almost every major development of jazz after World War II. He played on some of the important early bebop records and recorded the first cool jazz records. He was partially responsible for the development of modal jazz, and jazz fusion arose from his work with other musicians in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Free jazz was the only post-war style not significantly influenced by Davis, although some musicians from his bands later pursued this style. His recordings, along with the live performances of his many influential bands, were vital in jazz's acceptance as music with lasting artistic value. A popularizer as well as an innovator, Davis became famous for his languid, melodic style and his laconic, and at times confrontational, personality. As an increasingly well-paid and fashionably-dressed jazz musician, Davis was also a symbol of jazz music's commercial potential.

Related Topics:
May 26 - 1926 - September 28 - 1991 - Musician - Trumpeter - Bandleader - Composer - World War II - Bebop - Cool jazz - Modal jazz - Jazz fusion - Free jazz - Recordings - Fashionably-dressed

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Davis was late in a line of jazz trumpeters that started with Buddy Bolden and ran through Joe "King" Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge and Dizzy Gillespie. He has been compared to Duke Ellington as a musical innovator: both were skillful players on their instruments, but were not considered technical virtuosos. Ellington's main strength was as a composer and leader of a large band, while Davis had a talent for drawing together talented musicians in small groups and allowing them space to develop. Many of the major figures in post-war jazz played in one of Davis's groups at some point in their career.

Related Topics:
Buddy Bolden - Joe "King" Oliver - Louis Armstrong - Roy Eldridge - Dizzy Gillespie - Duke Ellington

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Davis was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in September 2005.

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