Davis, Miles Dewey, Jr. 
1926 - 1991. 
US jazz trumpeter, composer, and
bandleader. 

He was one of the most influential and innovative figures in jazz. He pioneered bebop with Charlie Parker 1945, cool jazz in the 1950s, and jazz-rock fusion from the late 1960s. His albums include Birth of the Cool 1957 (recorded 1949 and 1950), Sketches of Spain 1959, Bitches Brew 1970, and Tutu 1985. Davis, born in Illinois, joined Charlie Parker's group 1946-48. In 1948 he began an association with composer and arranger Gil Evans (1912-1988) that was to last throughout his career. His quintet in 1955 featured the saxophone player John Coltrane, who recorded with Davis until 1961; for example, Kind of Blue 1959. In 1968 Davis introduced electric instruments, later adding electronic devices to his trumpet and more percussion to his band. He went on to use disco backings, record pop songs, and collaborate with rock musicians, remaining changeable to the end.