Kind of Read: The Must-Have Books for Any Miles Davis Fan

Miles Davis was more than a musician; he was a sonic architect who fundamentally changed the course of jazz multiple times. His importance stems not just from his virtuosity, but from his constant evolution and refusal to stand still. He was a central figure in the birth of cool jazz, a pioneer of modal jazz with his masterpiece Kind of Blue, and the visionary who ignited the electric fusion movement with albums like Bitches Brew.

Davis's career was a relentless pursuit of new sounds and ideas, always looking forward and inspiring countless musicians along the way. His influence extends far beyond jazz, touching rock, funk, and electronic music. To understand the man behind the horn—the innovator, the bandleader, the provocateur—is to understand a crucial chapter of modern music history. If you're looking to dive deep into the world of the "Prince of Darkness," these are some of the best books about Miles Davis.

Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis with Quincy Troupe

There's no better place to start than with the man himself. Written in collaboration with poet and writer Quincy Troupe, Miles: The Autobiography is as unfiltered and powerful as Davis's music. The book offers a raw, no-holds-barred account of his life, from his upbringing in a well-to-do family in East St. Louis to his battles with drug addiction and his relationships with fellow jazz legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Davis’s voice comes through with all its charisma, bravado, and a fierce condemnation of the racism he faced throughout his career. It's a compelling and often controversial read that provides an unparalleled first-person perspective on a true icon.

 

 

Miles Davis: The Definitive Biography by Ian Carr

For a more traditional, third-person account of Davis's life, Ian Carr's biography is widely considered the gold standard. Carr, a respected jazz trumpeter, writer, and teacher, combines meticulous research with deep musical insight. The book is a comprehensive look at Davis's entire career, from his early days in bebop to his final electric explorations. What sets this book apart is Carr's ability to analyze the music with the authority of a musician while also providing a well-researched narrative of Davis's personal life. The updated edition includes extensive coverage of Davis's later career and interviews with his sidemen, making it a truly definitive resource.

 

Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn

If you want to focus on the creation of one of the most important and best-selling jazz albums of all time, Ashley Kahn's Kind of Blue is a must-read. This acclaimed book takes you behind the scenes of the legendary 1959 recording sessions. Drawing on transcripts of the unedited session tapes, interviews with surviving musicians (including drummer Jimmy Cobb), and newly discovered Columbia Records files, Kahn meticulously recreates the atmosphere and creative process that led to the modal jazz masterpiece. It's a fascinating look at how a group of jazz giants, under Davis's visionary leadership, created a timeless classic that continues to inspire.

 

 

The Blue Moment: Miles Davis's Kind of Blue and the Remaking of Modern Music by Richard Williams

While Ashley Kahn's book focuses on the "how" of Kind of Blue's creation, Richard Williams's The Blue Moment is more concerned with the "why" and "what happened next." Williams, a noted music journalist, places the album squarely within its wider cultural context. He explores how the "cool, meditative, luminous" atmosphere of the record made connections to everything from painting and literature to philosophy and poetry. Williams masterfully traces the ripple effect of Kind of Blue, showing how its modal approach influenced not just jazz musicians but also artists in other genres, from minimalism and Krautrock to rock and ambient music. It's an extended essay on the album's enduring power and influence.

3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans & The Lost Empire of Cool by James Kaplan

For a unique and ambitious perspective, James Kaplan's 3 Shades of Blue is an essential read. While other books on this list focus on Davis alone or the making of Kind of Blue, Kaplan takes a different approach. He weaves together a masterful "blended biography" of the three geniuses at the heart of the iconic album: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans. Kaplan doesn't just chronicle the famous 1959 recording sessions; he explores the lives of these three men before and after that pivotal moment. He delves into their disparate upbringings, their struggles with addiction and personal demons, and their relentless pursuit of artistic evolution. The book is an epic narrative about creativity, race, business, and the cities that shaped jazz. It’s an absorbing account of how these three very different men came together to create something timeless, and then each followed their own path into new musical territories. For readers who want to understand the intricate relationships and individual journeys that defined an era of jazz, this book is a must-have.

 

 

So What: The Life of Miles Davis by John F. Szwed

John Szwed's biography offers another insightful and well-regarded take on Davis's life and legacy. So What delves into the complexities of Davis as a man and an artist, exploring the contradictions that defined him. Szwed, a professor of music and jazz studies, draws on a wealth of archives and interviews to paint a rich and revealing portrait. The book goes beyond the well-known narratives to explore Davis's personality and artistic creativity, from his turbulent personal relationships to his deep connection with his music. Szwed's writing is both elegant and scholarly, making it an excellent choice for those who want a thoughtful and carefully researched biography.