The birth, and rebirth, of cool : NPR
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Key Points:
- Miles Davis, born on May 26, 1926, was a transformative jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer known for his continual reinvention and influence across multiple jazz styles, from bebop to cool jazz, and later jazz fusion.
- His 1959 album *Kind of Blue* remains the best-selling jazz album ever and a cultural landmark, exemplifying his "Blue Period" and cementing his status as a key figure in cool jazz.
- Davis continued to innovate through the 1960s and 1970s, incorporating funk rhythms and psychedelic effects, notably with the 1970 album *Bitches Brew*, which helped pioneer jazz-rock fusion.
- To celebrate his centennial, Philadelphia station WRTI dedicated May 26 to playing Davis' music all day, and NPR offers extensive programming and archival content exploring his career and legacy.
- Various NPR programs, including *Jazz Profiles* and *Fresh Air*, provide in-depth retrospectives on Davis' evolving musical styles and enduring impact on jazz and popular music.