Jazz Music - Miles Davis - Essay Example

In 1944 Davis was privy to observing the performance of a band comprised of jazz greats, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. These two were creators of the then-new bebop style of jazz known for its ‘fast’ and ‘dynamic rhythm variations’ (all.about.jazz 2009). Interestingly, Davis's style was in direct contrast to this fast pace it was considered to be cool. It was so cool that his first recording which was initiated by him was called ‘Birth of the Cool’. This album would later be abducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

In an attempt to emulate Parker and Gillespie Davis began a program of study at the Institute of Musical Art in New York City now known as Julliard in 1944. However, by 1945 he was requested to be a guest player at one of Parker’s shows and so ended his study at Julliard’s. He became a full-time jazz musician.

For the next three years, Davis joined bands of the like of Benny Carter, Eckstine, and Parker. During these years he made several recordings as a sideman. In 1948 Davis established his band and eventually signed with Capitol Records.
After his signing with Capitol for several years Davis’ success was hindered by his use of heroin. Fortunately, Davis was able to overcome this drug addiction and landed a contract with Columbia Records.

Following his heroin years Davis went on to gain nine Grammy Awards and several other Grammy Nominations. One of his most famous recordings was 1959 ‘Kind of Blue’ which sold more than ‘two million copies, a phenomenal success for a jazz record’ (all.about.jazz 2009).
With albums like ‘Someday My Prince Will Come’, ‘Quiet Nights’, ‘Miles Davis in Europe’ and ‘Bitches Brew’ to name a few earned Davis these awards. His final Grammy in 1993 was a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance for Miles and Quincy Live at Monteux.

Miles Davis was a legend in his own right. He created a new form of jazz that incorporated a cool yet exciting approach that was combined with rock music. Miles Davis indeed made a tremendous contribution to the development of jazz. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 1998, the  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 200,6, and Hollywood’s Rockwalk also in 2006. Read More