May 26, 2026, would have been the 100th birthday of trumpeter, bandleader, and composer Miles Davis. Born in Alton, Illinois, Davis began playing trumpet in his early teens before emerging as a major figure on the New York scene. Davis was at the forefront of the great jazz innovations of the 20th century, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion.

After dropping out of The Juilliard School to pursue music full-time, Davis made his professional debut as a member of saxophonist Charlie Parker‘s quintet. Soon after, he recorded the compilation album Birth of the Cool, considered seminal in jazz history. In 1956, to fulfill obligations for Prestige Records, Davis recorded albums Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’, and Steamin’—all in one day. He was joined by his quintet of pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, drummer Philly Joe Jones, and saxophonist John Coltrane.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Davis alternated between collaborations with arranger and pianist Gil Evans, such as the Spanish-influenced Sketches of Spain (1960), and band recordings, such as Milestones (1958) and Kind of Blue (1959). Kind of Blue, which features pianist Bill Evans, remains one of the most popular jazz albums of all time, having sold more than 6.4 million copies worldwide.

After the release of Kind of Blue, Davis formed a new quintet featuring bassist Ron Carter, drummer Tony Williams, pianist Herbie Hancock, and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. The quintet recorded a string of classics, including Miles Smiles (1967), Nefertiti (1968), and E.S.P. (1965).

Davis’ “Electric Period”, beginning in 1968 and continuing for more than 20 years, produced several influential albums, including In A Silent Way (1969), Bitches Brew (1970), and A Tribute To Jack Johnson (1971).

Celebrations for Davis’ centennial are taking place worldwide, with many publications highlighting his continued influence on modern music. In a Los Angeles Times article, singer Bilial reflected on Davis’ career: “You’ve got to have something to say, and you’ve got to want to evolve and always look for ways to grow and change with the music. Miles was quintessential at that.” Bilal’s comment echoes Davis’ own sentiments in an 1969 interview with The Washington Post: “I have to change. It’s like a curse.”

This year, at the third annual Tilles Jazz Fest on Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Kal Ferretti Quartet will celebrate Miles Davis’ Centennial. The quartet will perform during the daytime events, before the evening headliner, Buena Vista Orchestra.

Kal Ferretti is a 23-year-old trumpet player based in NYC. Ferretti has performed with large ensembles such as the Christian McBride Big Band, Ted Nash Big Band, The Mingus Big Band/Dynasty, Helen Sung Big Band, Michael Leonhart Orchestra, JALC’s Future of Jazz Orchestra, and the JALC Kenny Dorham Festival Band. Ferretti also leads her own quartet and big band. Her groups have performed at Dizzy’s Club and the Bern Jazz Festival. Ferretti is an alum of Manhattan School of Music (MM), The New School for Jazz (BFA), LaGuardia High School, and the JALC Youth Orchestra.

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