The impact Miles Davis Had on Jazz

The Impact Miles Davis had on Jazz

Introduction:

Jazz can be defined as a genre of music with many sub genres created by the black community to transition out of the blues. 

Miles Davis is an important figure in the jazz community. He is viewed as one of the most influential artists for his innovative ideas and signature style, and jazz would not be the same without his influence.

Miles Dewey Davis III was born in Alton, Illinois, on May 26, 1926. His father was a dentist, and their family was middle class. He always loved music and began playing the trumpet at nine years old. He was raised in St. Louis, surrounded by the blues, and used his surroundings to construct his title: Prince of Darkness. In 1944 he attended the now Julliard School of Music. After three semesters, he dropped out to pursue his Jazz Career. The only reason he wanted to attend Julliard was so that he could join the band of his idol: Charlie Parker, an artist known for his influence on bebop. 

Young Miles Davis

From Where He was Born, to Where He was Raised

Miles Davis' idol: Charlie Parker

Soon his career as an artist took off as he played with other jazz artists and many bands. He was a part of the “Birth of the Cool” group, then he created the hit “Walkin,” and was in a famous quintet. The quintet allowed him to find his signature sound of the muted trumpet. His sound resulted in him being able to make music with Columbia Records, which propelled his career even father since his audience grew wider. He finished off his jazz career with his classic quintet for four years. From the 40s through the 60s, Miles Davis was prominent in the world of jazz, and his timeless legacy still thrives today. 

Birth of the Cool

Album Cover of His Hit Single: Walkin

Miles Davis Working at Columbia Records

Playing the trumpet with the quintet

Miles Davis’s iconic sound influenced many artists that came after him. His most iconic sound is the use of the muted trumpet to mimic the singing voice of humans. His style of music is extraordinarily smooth and emotional jazz because he removed the vibrato from his music. The soft, velvety timbre of his music was envied and adopted by many. Miles Davis was not only a trendsetter but an innovator. He helped define jazz fusion because he added electronic music to his sound. He also experimented with funk, rock, and synthesizers. 

Conclusion:

Miles Davis’ iconic sound created “Cool Jazz”, because he was the first to make jazz smooth. His ability to step out of his comfort zone, resulted in the door being opened for many artist to come. Miles Davis will forever be known as a pillar of jazz, because without his creative contributions the genre would not have evolved to be what many enjoy today.

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