Miles Davis
1926–1991 (age 65)
Jazz Musician
Biography
Miles Dewey Davis III was a legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader who fundamentally shaped modern jazz across five decades. Born in Alton, Illinois, he rose to prominence in the 1940s and became instrumental in developing bebop, cool jazz, modal jazz, and fusion. His innovative approach to improvisation and composition influenced countless musicians and established him as one of the most important figures in American music.
Davis's career was marked by constant artistic evolution and collaboration with jazz's greatest talents, including John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter. His albums, particularly Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain, and Bitches Brew, remain cornerstones of the jazz canon. Beyond music, Davis was known for his distinctive style, independence of spirit, and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries throughout his life.