4. Miles Davis, Quincy TroupeMiles: The Autobiography
Jazz was my first love. I was into Billie Holiday from age 12, and then musicians like Coltrane — who was close to Davis for a while — and Chet Baker. I got into Davis at 17, with his iconic soundtrack for the 1950s Louis Malle film Ascenseur pour l’échafaud [Elevator To The Gallows]. His autobiography is a really good read for anyone who has an artistic process. He goes through all the phases of his career: jazz, Jimi Hendrix, rock & roll, his jazz fusion era. It takes you from the 1930s to the 1980s. If you’re into music, especially Black music, it’s really interesting. He’s a strong artist with such a distinctive way of doing things, a strong mind and dedication to his craft. It’s not just about music, it’s about life.
