Widely considered as one of the top musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis (1926–1991) was a major force in jazz. He was not only a gifted trumpeter and composer, but also an innovator who created a ninemember band called the “nonet,” in which unconventional (in jazz) instruments like French horn and tuba were used. He also invented a style known as “cool jazz,” characterized by softer and more subdued tempos than traditional jazz rhythms.


Quincy Troupe is an awardingwinning author of ten volumes of poetry, three children’s books, and six nonfiction works. In 2010, Troupe received the American Book Award for Lifetime Literary Achievement. Among Troupe’s bestselling works are Miles: The Autobiography of Miles Davis and his memoir, Miles & Me, soon to become a major motion picture.

He joins us on Culture Insight to share his insight into the life and work of Miles Davis.