Miles Davis

Most artists discover a style and stick with it. Only a handful have the courage and imagination to transform the world around them. And then there was Miles Davis — a lifelong pioneer, who tore up the jazz rulebook and created music that no one else could have imagined. Without question, he is the most influential musician in jazz history. Listen to him change the rules with these 15 landmarks.

Davis grew up in the be-bop tradition headed by the legendary Charlie Parker. By the '50s, he was already being recognised for his remarkable technique and broad artistic vision. Always refusing to stand still, he moved on to invent jazz-rock fusion in the late '60s, outraging the purists but marking the dawn of an exciting new era. He's at his inventive best on these 15 cuts.

Though Davis was an uncompromising frontman who demanded total commitment from his musicians, he was also willing to collaborate with anyone who commanded his respect. His work with both saxophonist John Coltrane and jazz-rock keyboardist Herbie Hancock was widely influential, while his projects with arranger Gil Evans remain landmarks in the history of the last century. Dig deeper into Miles' astonishing artistry on these 15 splendid performances.

We present the most essential entries in Miles Davis' astonishing catalog, spanning be-bop to jazz-rock fusion.