Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis III (1926–1991) was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer whose career helped shape modern jazz. Born in Alton, Illinois, and raised in East St. Louis, he moved to New York City in 1944 to study at the Juilliard School while immersing himself in the bebop scene. Davis gained early prominence with Charlie Parker, then led influential groups and recordings across multiple styles, including cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. Albums such as *Birth of the Cool*, *Kind of Blue*, and *Bitches Brew* became landmarks. Known for his distinctive tone and restless innovation, Davis remained a major cultural figure until his death in 1991.