A special centennial edition of Miles Davis’s classic memoir Miles—the singular story of a jazz legend, now reintroduced by Nas and Hanif Abdurraqib.
Universally acclaimed as one of the most important and influential musicians in the world, Miles Davis didn’t just change jazz—he changed music itself. Published in celebration of his centennial, this special edition of Miles honors a singular artist whose restless genius reshaped culture. He speaks frankly and openly about his drug problem and how he overcame it. He condemns the racism he encountered in the music business and in American society generally. And he discusses the women in his life. But above all, Miles talks about music and musicians, including the legends he has played with over the years: Bird, Dizzy, Monk, Trane, Mingus, and many others.
The man who gave us some of the most exciting music of the 20th century here gives us a compelling and fascinating autobiography, featuring new forewords by Nas and Hanif Abdurraqib, as well as a concise discography and thirty-two pages of photographs. Miles: The Autobiography, like Miles himself, holds nothing back.
As someone who has long admired jazz and its transformative power, reading the centennial edition of Miles Davis's autobiography offers an exceptional insight into the life of a true musical pioneer. What strikes me most about this memoir is how Miles speaks so frankly about topics that were often considered taboo, such as his battles with addiction and the pervasive racism he faced throughout his career. These candid revelations add a layer of humanity to an artist often regarded as larger than life. Another aspect that enriched my reading experience is how Miles highlights the deep connections and collaborations with other jazz legends like Bird, Dizzy, Monk, Trane, and Mingus. Knowing that these relationships helped shape jazz music as we know it today makes the book even more compelling. The inclusion of forewords by contemporary artists Nas and Hanif Abdurraqib also bridges generations, showing how Miles Davis’s influence continues to resonate within modern culture. What I also appreciated were the detailed discography and the 32 pages of photographs, which helped contextualize his career visually and musically. These additions provide both new listeners and seasoned fans with a comprehensive understanding of his artistic evolution. Reading this autobiography felt like joining a conversation with Miles himself, his voice raw, honest, and unfiltered. For anyone looking to understand not just the music but the man behind it, this special edition of Miles offers a powerful, unvarnished glimpse into one of the most restless and innovative spirits in music history. It transcends a simple memoir, becoming a document of cultural impact, personal resilience, and artistic brilliance that continues to inspire jazz lovers and musicians alike.
