(Still) Kind of Blue: The Legacy and Impact of Miles Davis at 100

Few figures in modern music have reshaped the landscape as profoundly—or as repeatedly—as Miles Davis. This panel brings together musicians, cultural critics, and industry veterans to explore the enduring legacy of the visionary trumpeter whose restless creativity transformed jazz across multiple eras. From the cool restraint of Birth of the Cool to the modal revolution of Kind of Blue, the electric landscapes of Bitches Brew, and the innovative fusion of jazz with funk, rock, and hip-hop aesthetics, Davis consistently challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of sound. Our discussion examines his influence not only on jazz but also on broader cultural and artistic movements. How did Davis’s approach to collaboration and constant reinvention shape generations of creatives? In what ways did his role as a leader predict or reflect social shifts in America? How does his legacy resonate with contemporary artists working across genres today?


Moderator: Ashley Kahn 
Panelists: Terence Blanchard; Richard Brody (The New Yorker); Lauren Du Graf; Marcus Miller; Vince Wilburn, Jr.