The father of Bebop, Miles Davis, was born in Alton in 1926, the son of a dental surgeon and a music teacher. Davis’ immense talent and interest in music was first cultivated at the age of 12 when he began taking trumpet lessons. In high school, he was already playing weekend gigs at bars in East St. Louis, where the Davis family moved shortly after Miles’ birth. After graduating from East St. Louis Lincoln High School and playing for several local St. Louis bands, Davis moved to New York City and attended the Institute of Musical Art (what is now Juilliard).

It was in New York that Davis made the transition to a professional jazz musician. He played in the Charlie Parker Quintet, worked with Gil Evans on creating a nonet and eventually landed a deal with Capitol Records. In the 1950s, Davis played in a quintet with John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones. Davis released the studio album Kind of Blue in 1959. The album, which was certified quadruple platinum, is today acknowledged as one of the best jazz albums of all time. Davis continued his success into the 1960s and 1970s, recording several successful studio albums and touring with a host of artists across the globe.

It was Davis’ ability to experiment and push the limits of jazz music that made him so well-known. His innovative music earned him nine Grammy awards and the honor of being the first jazz musician to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

To recognize Davis’ birthplace and the role he played in musical history, the city of Alton recently unveiled a bronze statue of the music legend in their downtown entertainment district.

Learn more:
Learn more about the life and musical success of Miles Davis