100 Miles and Counting: The Legacy and Impact of Miles Davis
with Vince Wilburn, Jr., Marquis Hill, Nate Smith, Steven Bernstein & Ashley Kahn
Few figures in modern music have reshaped the landscape as profoundly—or as repeatedly—as Miles Davis. This panel brings together musicians to explore the enduring legacy of the visionary trumpeter in his centennial year. His restless creativity transformed music across multiple styles and decades. From the cool restraint of Birth of the Cool to the modal revolution of Kind of Blue, the electric landscapes of Bitches Brew, and the innovative fusion of jazz with funk, rock, and hip-hop, Davis consistently challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of sound.
Our discussion will examine his influence not only on jazz but also on broader cultural and artistic movements. How did Davis’s approach to collaboration and constant reinvention shape generations of creatives? In what ways did his role as a leader predict or reflect social shifts in America? How does his legacy resonate with contemporary artists working across genres today?