Miles Davis Analysis

Miles: The Autobiography is a self-written autobiography written by musician Miles Davis III, who was an American jazz musician and composer. Born in Alton, Illinois, Miles Davis attended The Julliard School in New York City before dropping out as he thought that “what they [were] teaching [him] was white and [he was not] interested in that. (Davis, 73). Miles then went on to become one of the most influential figures in jazz music history, winning multiple Grammys in the process. However, Miles Davis’ autobiography, co-authored by Quincy Troupe, tells the story of how the man behind the musician was made. Miles: The Autobiography lists all the factors that helped contribute to miles Davis’ life, and more importantly, influenced him. Among

You’re an *******, Miles Davis. That man made you.” (Davis 95). Davis III promptly replied “"**** you, Mingus. Ain't no ************ made me, ******, but my real daddy.” (Davis 95). Bird took in Davis III and actively taught him several things pertaining to music and style, Davis III still held his father in higher regard. This is another reason why Miles: The Autobiography does a great job of telling the readers about Miles’ personal relationships, especially the one with his father. His father had a hand in influencing his music too. Once during a conversation, Davis III’s father asked him to be original and true to himself. He said “Miles, you hear that bird outside the window? He's a mockingbird. He don't have a sound of his own. He copies everybody's sound, and you don't want to do that. You want to be your own man, have your own sound. That's what it's really about”. (Davis 74). This left a very lasting impression on Davis III; “[it was] something [he would] never forget” (Davis 74). It is because numerous instances such as these, Miles: The Autobiography is a source that helps the readers gaze into Miles Davis’ life and get to know the kind of relationship he shared with his