This American trumpeter, composer, and bandleader helped mold the history of jazz in the 20th century and paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
As a genre that spans hundreds of years, it’s no surprise that many artists have become influential in this field and carved a path for contemporary musicians today[ 1]. While there are many instrumentalists, most contemporaries consider Buddy Bolden the first notable jazz musician[ 2]. This African American bandleader was often celebrated as the first man of jazz. This cornetist was a prime character in the creation of jazz, previously known as ‘jass’, a New Orleans ragtime music style. Without Bolden, jazz might not have existed as we know it today. Additionally, Miles Dewey Davis III was also a notable figure in jazz. This American trumpeter, composer, and bandleader helped mold the history of jazz in the 20th century and paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.