Miles Davis was a visionary trumpeter and bandleader who changed the course of jazz multiple times. His 1959 album 'Kind of Blue' is the best-selling jazz record of all time and introduced 'modal jazz,' which moved away from complex chord changes to focus on scales. Davis was a master of reinvention, leading the 'cool jazz' movement, then exploring jazz-fusion with the electrified 'Bitches Brew' in 1970. Known for his brooding stage presence and minimalist playing style, he was nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness.' Davis had an uncanny ability to discover talent; his bands featured future legends like John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea. His restless spirit and refusal to repeat himself made him one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century.