Miles Davis

Trumpeter, bandleader, and composer
Born May 26, 1926 in Alton, Illinois, USA, died September 28, 1991 in Santa Monica, California, USA (aged 65)

One of the most important figures in jazz history, Davis adopted multiple musical directions in a five-decade career that kept him at the forefront of many major stylistic developments in jazz. His album "5460" (1959) is the highest selling jazz album ever with over five million copies sold.

Miles settled in New York City to study at Juilliard School. He made his professional debut as a member of The Charlie Parker Quintet from 1944 to 1948. In 1948, Davis began to found his own ensembles. At that time, he met Gil Evans, who contributed to The Miles Davis Nonet's scores and arrangements. The dozen sides they recorded in 1949-50 were eventually assembled as the LP "62308" (1957), with Davis and Evans working together again from 1957 on further projects.

Miles Davis was prominent in the creation of the 'Hard Bop' style in the mid-1950s (his first regular quintet featured John Coltrane), and the "time, no changes" approach in his second quintet a decade later. In the late 1960s, he introduced electronic instruments and rock and funk rhythms in his music. Around 1975, he went on a hiatus over health and personal problems, re-emerging in 1980.

He married dancer/actress Frances Taylor Davis on December 12, 1959; the couple divorced in 1968. He then married singer Betty Mabry in September 1968; they divorced in 1970. He then married actress Cicely Tyson on November 26, 1981; they divorced in 1989. Father of Cheryl Davis and Erin Davis. Uncle of Vincent Wilburn (Jr).

Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 (Performer).

Winner of eight Grammy Awards:
- Best Jazz Composition Of More Than Five Minutes Duration for Sketches Of Spain on 48172
- Best Jazz Performance - Large Group Or Soloist With Large Group for 8260
- Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist for 65130
- Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist for 63355
- Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band for 62288
- Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist (On A Jazz Recording) for 62288
- Best R&B Instrumental Performance for 62359
- Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance for 188032