Miles Davis

jazz trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter

Alton, United States • 1926-05-26 – 1991-09-28

Biography

There are not many artists whose careers can be divided into segments, each one worthy of discussion and analysis, each one with its own small catalog of albums that show progress and innovation in their respective sub-genres. Miles defined jazz as we know it and some would even say that he took the time to defile it. His vision led him through one of the most perfect jazz combos to ever record, but also through every major development to emerge from jazz since the '40s. From the earliest be-bop records to the beginnings of hip-hop, with a few dalliances in jazz-funk and fusion, Miles Davis was there, often at the front of the pack, trumpet in hand.