(b. 26 May 1926, Alton, Illinois, d. 28  Sept  1991, CA)

“He was known to the general public primarily as a trumpet player. However, in the world of music he had a great deal of influence not only as a innovative bandleader but also as a composer. His music and style was important in the development of improvisational techniques incorporating modes rather than standard chord changes. Miles experiments with modal playing reached its apotheosis in 1959 with his recording of Kind of Blue.”~MilesDavis.Com   In 1975, after a succession of personal upheavals including a car crash, further drug problems, a shooting incident, more police harassment and eventual arrest, Miles, not surprisingly, retired. During this time he became seriously ill, and it was generally felt that he would never play again. As unpredictable as ever, Davis returned six years later healthy and fit with the comeback album, THE MAN WITH THE HORN.  Following further bouts of ill health Miles was admitted to hospital in California and died in September 1991.