Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was born in Alton, Illinois and was one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century. A trumpeter, fluegelhorn player, bandleader and composer, Davis was at the forefront of almost every major development in jazz after World War II.

Along with Charlie Parker & Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis was one of the most important individuals in jazz. He took a lead role in the formation of cool jazz, and later modal composition, with his first great quintet with John Coltrane on saxophone.

After many line-up changes, his "Second Great Quintet" featuring Wayne Shorter (saxophones), Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (bass) and Tony Williams (drums) emerged. That group disbanded slowly as Miles embarked on a jazz-rock style known as fusion. Prior to his 5 year retirement, Miles also branched into musique concrete and funk.

"Kind of Blue" is Davis' best known work. However, "Bitches Brew", when released, was Davis' best seller and was the biggest-selling jazz album of all time up to that point. Other milestones include "Birth of the Cool", "Sketches of Spain", "Miles Smiles", "In a Silent Way", "On the Corner" and "Agharta".

More dynamic stylistically than perhaps any single performer in the last 50 years, Miles' music can be seen as paving the way for ambient music (see the ode to Ellington, He Loved Him Madly), hip-hop (with "On the Corner"), the jazz-rock meeting (all his fusion work), and more.