‘He used the trumpet as a songbird’: 100 years of Miles Davis, by jazz greats Sonny Rollins, Yazz Ahmed and more

January 30, 2026

TL;DR

Miles Davis, architect of 'Kind of Blue,' was a towering figure who led numerous stylistic shifts in jazz.
His bands served as incubators for future jazz stars.
Collaborators remember his seriousness about music, his keen ear for mistakes, and his emphasis on melodic sensibility over technical display.
Davis's music is characterized by constant change and a unique personal sound.
He encouraged musicians to trust their instincts and be themselves.
His influence is noted in the melodic playing, use of space, and fearless innovation of contemporary artists.
Davis's ability to span multiple genres and create intergenerational bands is highlighted as a key aspect of his legacy.
His later work, embracing electronics and hip-hop influences, is seen as a testament to his constant evolution.

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