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| Miles Davis inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk Miles Davis was posthumously inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on the 15th Anniversary of his passing, amongst immediate family members and celebrated friends and fans including popular jazz trumpeter, Chris Botti; Earth, Wind & Fire's Verdine White; respected bandleader, keyboardist and producer George Duke; Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Wallace Roney; Legendary drummer Lenny White (Bitches Brew); world-renowned drummer Ndugu Chancellor, and chart-topping saxophonist Mindi Abair among others. Additionally, a personalized congratulatory greeting on DVD was sent by Diddy, who was unable to attend due to his conflicting promotional schedule. Diddy, a true fan, samples Davis on his new CD Press Play. Written congratulatory statements were also received from 60 Minutes hard news journalist Ed Bradley, and critically-acclaimed rock legend Carlos Santana, who is featured on the new Davis release – Cool & Collected. Immediate Davis family members including son Erin Davis; daughter Cheryl Davis; nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr., and brother-in-law Captain Vincent Wilburn, Sr. (RETUSA), were on hand to unveil the bronze bust of Miles Davis, which will reside on RockWalk's posthumous wall alongside Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, Robert Johnson and legendary concert promoter Bill Graham among others. Davis, an internationally renowned music icon is still widely regarded as one of the most innovative, influential and highly respected figures in the history of jazz – even 15 years after his passing in 1991 at age 65. His innovative style defined the evolution of the genre, and many argue that jazz stopped evolving when Davis wasn't around to push it forward. The eight-time Grammy Award winner, who was the sole jazz artist to be inducted into the 2006 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has enjoyed a "milestone" year. His 80th birthday on May 26 was commemorated with the release of the ultimate Concord Records 4-CD box set featuring his original artwork; he will be honored by the legendary USC Marching band with a nationally-televised "Tribute To Miles" during their sold-out homecoming game on November 11, and a special remix project entitled Evolution Of The Groove, featuring Santana and Nas, and produced by Sony/Legacy executive Steve Berkowitz and Vince Wilburn, Jr. is set for release early next year. Additionally, mtvU is basing a segment around the cultural significance of Miles Davis, and Golden Globe winning actor Don Cheadle will portray Davis in a forthcoming biopic. Sony Legacy also recently released Cool & Collected featuring 13 career-defining classic recordings spanning 1956-to-1984 in paying tribute to the 15th Anniversary of his passing. Hollywood's RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring artists and other musical innovators who have made a significant and lasting impact and contribution to the growth and evolution of music. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |