Miles Davis, a towering figure in the history of jazz, revolutionized the genre multiple times throughout his career. Born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois, Davis began playing the trumpet at a young age. He moved to New York City in the late 1940s to study at Juilliard but soon found himself immersed in the city's vibrant jazz scene.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Davis played with bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, honing his skills and developing his own unique style. His debut album, Birth of the Cool (1957), marked the beginning of his experimentation with modal jazz and laid the groundwork for the cool jazz movement.
The late 1950s and 1960s saw Davis pushing the boundaries of jazz even further. Albums like Kind of Blue (1959), widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time, showcased his mastery of improvisation and modal composition. Davis continued to innovate, incorporating elements of rock and funk into his music with albums like In a Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1970), which are considered seminal works in the fusion genre.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Davis continued to explore new musical territories, collaborating with musicians from diverse backgrounds and experimenting with electronic instruments. Despite battling health issues and personal struggles, he remained a prolific recording artist and performer, leaving behind a vast and influential body of work.
In this day school Jeremy Price, Head of Jazz at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, presents an overview of the most recent research activity surrounding Miles Davis and reflects on the impact this has on contemporary performers and educators in jazz.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 11 June 2025.