Miles Davis Bio: Parents, Cause of Death, Albums, Net Worth, Books, Parents, Wife, Awards, Controversy, Movies

Miles Davis was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music.

His career, spanning over five decades, was marked by continual evolution and innovation, leading to the development of several jazz subgenres.

Profile

• Full Name: Miles Dewey Davis III
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1926
• Date of Death: September 28, 1991
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Alton, Illinois, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Jazz Trumpeter, Bandleader, Composer
• Parents: Miles Dewey Davis Jr. (Father), Cleota Mae Davis (Mother)
• Siblings: Dorothy Mae Davis (Sister), Vernon Davis (Brother)
• Spouses: Frances Taylor (1959–1968), Betty Mabry (1968–1969), Cicely Tyson (1981–1988)
• Children: Cheryl Davis, Gregory Davis, Miles Davis IV, Erin Davis
• Ethnicity: African-American
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Posthumously at the age of 99 as of 2025, was born on May 26, 1926. He was Born in Alton, Illinois, and raised in East St. Louis, Miles Davis was introduced to music at an early age by his mother, Cleota Mae Davis, who was a violinist. His father, Miles Dewey Davis Jr., was a successful dental surgeon.

Davis began trumpet lessons at the age of 13 and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. After high school, he moved to New York City to attend the Juilliard School, but he soon left to immerse himself in the jazz scene of Harlem.

Personal Life

Davis had three marriages. He got married to dancer Frances Taylor in 1959, but they got separated in 1968. In 1968, shortly after his divorce from his first marriage, he got married to singer Betty Mabry and the following year (1969) they got divorced.

Subsequently, in 1981, he married actress Cicely Tyson and in 1988, they got sivorced. He had four children: Cheryl, Gregory, Miles IV, and Erin. Despite his professional success, Davis faced personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse.

Career

Miles Davis‘s career is notable for its constant evolution and innovation. In the 1940s, he played with Charlie Parker, contributing to the development of bebop.

He then pioneered the “cool jazz” movement with his 1949 recordings, later compiled as “Birth of the Cool.” The 1950s saw Davis form his first great quintet and sextet, producing landmark albums like “Kind of Blue,” which remains one of the best-selling jazz records.

In the 1960s, he led a second quintet, pushing the boundaries of jazz with avant-garde influences. The late 1960s and 1970s marked his electric period, where albums like “Bitches Brew” introduced jazz fusion, blending jazz with rock and electronic elements.

Awards

Throughout his career, Miles Davis received numerous accolades, including eight Grammy Awards. His innovative work earned him recognition as one of the most significant musicians of his time.

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 1991, Miles Davis‘s net worth was estimated to be $10 million accumulated through his prolific recording career and performances.

Death

Miles Davis passed away on September 28, 1991, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 65, due to respiratory distress and pneumonia.

Controversy

Throughout his career, Davis faced controversies, including criticism for his temperamental behavior and struggles with substance abuse. Additionally, his exploration of electric instruments and fusion jazz in the late 1960s and 1970s polarized some jazz purists.

Social Media

Miles Davis‘s legacy continues through official social media channels managed by his estate:

• Instagram: @milesdavis
• Twitter: @milesdavis
• Facebook: @MilesDavis

Filmography

• Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (1958): Davis composed the improvised soundtrack for this French film.
• The Miles Davis Story (2001): A documentary exploring his life and career.
• Miles Ahead (2015): A biographical film directed by and starring Don Cheadle as Miles Davis.

Discography

Miles Davis‘s extensive discography includes several landmark albums:

• Birth of the Cool (1957): A compilation of recordings from 1949-1950 sessions that defined the cool jazz movement.
• Kind of Blue (1959): An iconic album that is often cited as the best-selling jazz record of all time.
• Bitches Brew (1970): A pioneering work in the jazz fusion genre.

Books

• Miles: The Autobiography (1989): Co-written with Quincy Troupe, this autobiography offers an intimate look into Davis‘s life and career.