Miles

The Autobiography

By: Miles Davis

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 16 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Universally acclaimed as a musical genius, Miles Davis was one of the most important and influential musicians in the world. Here, Miles speaks out about his extraordinary life. Miles: The Autobiography, like Miles himself, holds nothing back. For the first time Miles talks about his five-year silence. 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 twentieth century here gives us a compelling and fascinating autobiography.

©1989 Miles Davis. All rights reserved. (P)2012 AudioGo

Dion Graham IS Miles Davis

Would you consider the audio edition of Miles to be better than the print version?

It makes the experience more intimate. For this first person narrative, Dion Graham has become Miles Davis so that the listener is fully convinced that he/she is listening to Miles tell his own story.

Any additional comments?

Miles Davis' honesty, the historical perspective in the book, the behind the scenes insights into the jazz scene and its players, all fascinating -- and Dion Graham's brilliant performance -- makes this one of my all time most compelling listens.

Miles Ahead!

There aren't enough stars to give this book. What an exceptional view into the life and times of a true American legend. The insight into jazz history is phenomenal, and I think this book is a must read for any jazz fan or student of music. Also, I think any young, aspiring musician needs to read this (mind the language of course).

As a former professional musician, I could have certainly benefited from the many lessons taught here. The insight given on the topics of: playing with other musicians; being musical; staying creative and relevant/current; dealing with other musician's egos; dealing with club owners and promotors; finding your musical voice and staying true to it; the dangers of drugs and alcohol in the music business; and many, many others, I think is crucial to the mental and creative development of any musician, young or old.

I was blown away by this book and plan to revisit it many times in the future. Now if I could just stop describing everything as a "muthafucka" I'd be fine!

Musician and his Demons

If you could sum up Miles in three words, what would they be?

Honest, Intense, Uncompromising

What other book might you compare Miles to and why?

Huckleberry Finn came to mind while listening to the story of Miles Davis. "Miles: The Autobiography" is far more relevant and real than the romantic Americana tale by Mark Twain. Tales of coming of age with racism and racial profiling, spoken in the language of a black man, is far more powerful and striking than the white country boy anecdotes of fictional Huck Finn. Huck Finn is a gentle summer rain and Miles is a thundering downpour.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Miles first arrives in NYC after leaving East St. Louis at age 18 is pretty amazing stuff.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Miles' struggle and descent into the depths of heroin addiction and his eventual recovery is quite a frightening ride.

Any additional comments?

Tales of playing music with jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk and Billy Eckstine filled in a number of gaps in my knowledge of Miles and these musicians as well. Some funny road stories too. This is one of my favorite audiobooks so far!

Loved it.

Great insight into the life and mind of a musical genius. The book was written in Miles' voice. The performance is excellent, he sound very much like Miles. It's a very genuine, important work.

Absolutely brilliant!!

For me, this is by far, the BEST audio book I've ever heard. From the very first word spoken until the last, I anxiously looked forward to what was about to be said next. I felt as if Miles Davis himself was sitting across the table from me sharing his story. As a singer and songwriter by profession, Miles' story pleasantly and unexpectedly lit a new kind of fire within me. I started this book a day and a half ago and didn't want to put it down! Now that I'm done, I will continue to listen repeatedly as a reference. I truly feel like my life & creative process will never be the same because of it. ❤️

I've always had admiration for jazz vocalists and musicians and secretly wished I could be that kid that snuck into Birdland or the Savoy just to soak it all in. Listening to this book gave me that experience & there are no words to describe how awesome that feels. A sincere thank you to each and every person who had a part in making this book a reality and much respect for protecting the integrity of Miles Davis' story, in his own words, so that we all have a chance to know his TRUTH.

Sincerely,

Tasha LaRae
-lead female vocalist for Hip Hop group, Arrested Development

To know the artist and discover jazz music, it's a

Would you listen to Miles again? Why?

I would listen again to Miles the autobiography to go visit the 40's and its jazz music scene. This book is just amazing for that.

What other book might you compare Miles to and why?

The Johnny Cash autobiography is an other bio that I liked, and also helped me to understand the artist and its music genre.

Which scene was your favorite?

There was a bunch of good stories and anecdotes in this book, it's hard to pick. Anything involving Bird, Max Roach or Juliette Greco was pretty good. Believe me, you have to listen to that book!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Miles Davis came back to music in the early 80's, that was something interesting to hear.

Any additional comments?

Dion Graham's voice is too low and can be annoying at first, but you just feel it's Miles Davis that whisper to your ears.

Fantastic Narration and Writing

Loved it. It was a bit long but if you do enjoy Miles Davis and the history of Jazz you will find it fascinating from start to finish.

Narrator impersonates Miles voice the whole read...!

This narrator impersonates Miles gravelly whispery voice the whole book. Very tough to listen to. Next time just read the damn book man. I don’t need some dude impersonating Miles. Gave me a headache.

Powerful. Hilarious. Thought-provoking.

I loved this book. It left me spellbound. Miles Davis truly lived a full life.

Bad motherfuck**

If you like to learn about bad motherfuck*** then read /listen to this book. Motherfuck**