May 25, 1926 – September 28, 1991
Born Miles Dewey Davis in Alton, IL, Davis was a famous jazz musician for nearly fifty years. In 1944, Davis sat in on trumpet with a band that included two other famous musicians – Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.1 Following that experience, at age 18, he enrolled in the renown Julliard School of Music in New York City.2 And as they say – the rest is history.
Davis died at the age of 65 from pneumonia, respiratory failure and a stroke.3 He was survived by a daughter, three sons and several grandchildren.4 Since 2006, individuals managing Davis’ estate, including his daughter and one of his sons, have worked hard to ensure Davis’ legacy lives on and his image is marketed widely.
In the summer of 2011, the company that owns and manages Miles Davis’ estate, Miles Davis Properties LLC, brought forth a claim against a restaurateur who had “…misappropriated the trademarked Miles Davis name but also the signature ‘silhouette profile’ of Davis playing his trumpet that appeared on his album covers…”5 Miles Davis Properties has actively worked to brand Davis’ work and image to reflect and protect the “coolness” that was Miles Davis.6
1,2,3,&4Miles Davis, Trumpeter, Dies; Jazz Genius, 65, Defined Cool
5Heirs of Miles Davis Sue Miles’ Café Owner, Who is Also a Trumpet Player Known as Miles
6Miles Davis: Selling the Dark Prince
