Miles Davis was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader and composer. He is one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music and was born right here in Illinois.
Miles Dewey Davis III was born May 26, 1926 in Alton and was raised in East. St. Louis.
Davis started out on the trumpet when he was 12, inspired by St. Louis’ creative atmosphere.
In 1944, Davis went to New York to study at Julliard, where he started performing with some of the most well-known jazz musicians of all time.
In 1957, Davis had his first major release, called Birth of the Cool. This led him to international recognition. He recorded and toured with his newly formed quintet, and then released Kind of Blue in 1959, which is one of the most successful jazz albums in history.
Throughout the 60s and 70s, Davis released almost 20 albums, blending and transcending musical genres.
Davis took a hiatus from recording and performing from 1975 to 1981. After his hiatus, he created two major albums, Tutu and Aura.
Throughout his career, Davis won eight Grammy Awards, and received 32 nominations.
Miles Davis’ legacy has certainly had an impact on Illinois, and his music is still appreciated by many today.
