One of my favorite Maynard stories to tell (check it out here) is the time my pal Denis DiBlasio and I went to Radio City Music Hall in New York to see the big Miles Davis tribute. The event also featured new music by my mentor, Slide Hampton. That night marked Miles’ official “coming out of retirement” celebration.
The incredible band he assembled for his new direction, debuting that night, included:
Miles Davis – trumpet, keyboards
Bill Evans – soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone
Mike Stern – electric guitar
Marcus Miller – bass guitar
Al Foster – drums
Mino Cinelu – percussion
IKR?! Denis and I were absolutely over the moon, hanging out with all these legendary musicians. And the crowd? Oh, it was a who’s who of jazz greatness! My hero Maynard Ferguson was there, as were Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Art Farmer, Randy Brecker, Slide Hampton, J.J. Johnson—basically everyone.
At one point, I found myself in a small room with them all. I was standing just a few feet away from Miles himself, but the opportunity never arose to say hello or shake his hand. When I’m in a situation like that, I always try to at least tell the artist how much I love their music. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen that evening with Miles. Still, just being that close to him was electric—a memory I’ll treasure forever.
A hilarious moment happened that evening when Cosby said:
"Ok, ladies and gentlemen. I have spoken to Cecily (The great Oscar-winning actress Cecily Tyson who was married tio Miles at that time) has told me that Miles will come up here and TALK tonight!"
At this point Miles strolls out on to the stage and joins Cosby...
"Here we go folks! Miles...SPEAK!"
Miles slowly bends down to the microphone and said:
"Thank you."
Miles had this playful, mischievous side. He loved to keep people off guard, messing with anyone—didn’t matter who they were, what color they were, or how “important” they seemed. Over the years, some have misinterpreted this as Miles being “racist” or even “evil.” That nickname, “The Prince of Darkness,” might sound edgy and cool, but I don’t think it’s quite accurate.
Miles loved music, and he was incredibly particular about how it was made and with whom. He didn’t suffer fools gladly, and he had no problem letting people know it. Honestly, with that level of boldness, he could probably get elected President of the U.S. these days, you dig?
Now, let’s be real—his personal life was a mess. Abuse, misogyny, drugs, and all manner of illegal activity? Absolutely true. No argument there. But when it came to music? Pure, stone-cold genius. Full stop.
And here’s something cool: Miles Davis and Maynard Ferguson? Best friends.
I guess the moral of this article then is that Miles was no "Prince of Darkness" just a SERIOUSLY gifted cat who liked to mess with folks, had a great sense of humor was flawed like we all are, and changed the course of jazz...MULTIPLE TIMES!
Not bad.
Can you BELIEVE how unprepared this interviewer was? Hard to understand man...
Miles on Arsenio. NOBODY was exempt from Miles playtime...but Arsenio was PREPARED. A professional.
Then there is the infamous Harry Reasonor 60 Minutes interview. OY! Miles must have been DROOLING whenever Harry asked one of his totally ill-informed questions. This one is both painful and hilarious to watch! But we get to see Miles "behind the scenes" a bit in his natural environment off-stage.
This one might be my favorite. The master interviewer Dick Cavett obviously respects Miles and vice versa. Not sure about Nick? But this is a joy to watch and hear.
And here is something I wrote not too long after that Radio City concert. This featured myself and my pal Ray Herrmann with the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band directed by my dear mentor Neil Slater. It was TOTALLY influenced by the 1980s Miles sound that I heard that night in NY, and by the magic of Miles himself. I called this piece "The Miles Files."
Enjoy!
I love musicians' stories. They humanize those people who idolize them. Thanks for an interesting first hand account of your proximity to Miles.