Miles Davis' Sidemen

Miles Davis  (1926–1991) is widely regarded as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, being at the cutting edge of bebop, hardbop, and fusion, just to name a few of the jazz movements he helped shape. Along the way, he influenced generations of musicians, including many sidemen who would enjoy influential and successful careers of their own. We take a look at some of the celebrated sidemen who’ve joined Davis in that great jazz combo in the sky.

Appreciating Freddie Hubbard

It's Jazz Appreciation Month and we're showing some love to a jazz trumpeter who some say was the most brilliant of his generation.

The Glenn Miller Sound

Twenty years before Etta James made "At Last" her signature song, another artist recorded it for the first time. It was Glenn Miller, pioneer of big band music.

Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros (1928–2016), Cuban trumpet legend

The Cuban trumpet legend Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, known as the “Cuban Louis Armstrong,” died on January 6th at the age of 87.

Wayne Jackson (1941 - 2016), Memphis Horns trumpet player

Wayne Jackson, the trumpet player and one-half of the legendary Memphis Horns that backed hit records by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and others, died June 21, 2016.

10 Things To Know About Louis Armstrong

He's one of the greatest musicians this world has ever seen: Louis Armstrong, the New Orleans-born trumpet player and singer, who died July 6, 1971, was an entertainer who possessed a unique voice and playing style that's still imitated today. During Armstrong's lifetime, only one of his recordings ever reached the No. 1 Billboard spot in the U.S.: his 1964 cover of "Hello, Dolly," which pushed the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" from the top spot on the Hot 100 chart. Since his death, Armstrong's recordings have enjoyed great popular success, especially his cover of "What a Wonderful World."

Kelan Phil Cohran (1927–2017), jazz trumpeter

Influential jazz musician played with Sun Ra and co-founded the Artistic Heritage Ensemble.

Hugh Masekela (1939–2018), father of South African jazz

Anti-apartheid activist authored the protest song “Soweto Blues.”

Roy Hargrove (1969–2018), Grammy-winning visionary jazz trumpeter

Worked with Common and Erykah Badu.

Jack Sheldon (1931–2019), “Merv Griffin Show” trumpeter and “Schoolhouse Rock” singer

Jack Sheldon was a jazz trumpeter and singer who was known for his work on “The Merv Griffin Show” and “Schoolhouse Rock.” A member of Mort Lindsey’s Orchestra on “The Merv Griffin Show” for 18 years, Sheldon often stepped out from the band, becoming Griffin’s sidekick. His trumpet solos were frequently heard on the show, including his famous solo in “The Shadow of Your Smile,” the 1965 Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards and Best Song at the Oscars. Sheldon also sang on several installments of the popular “Schoolhouse Rock” educational short films — he was the voice of the Conjunction Conductor in “Conjunction Junction,” and he sang “I’m Just a Bill.” He starred in the TV shows “Run, Buddy, Run” and “The Cara Williams Show.”

Lucien Barbarin (1956–2020), Harry Connick Jr. trombonist

Lucien Barbarin was a trombonist for Harry Connick Jr. and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Barbarin was a New Orleans jazz legend who showcased his charismatic personality during Harry Connick Jr. concerts. The pair created comic routines that were fan favorites. Barbarin had been playing with Connick Jr. At least since the early 1990s. Barbarin released a few of his own albums, the last in 2007.

Wallace Roney (1960–2020), jazz trumpet legend

Wallace Roney was a jazz trumpet legend who was the only protégé of jazz giant Miles Davis. An accomplished jazz trumpeter at a young age, he met Miles Davis after he performed at a tribute concert for his idol. The two became close friends and they performed together once at a concert in 1991. Roney was part of the “Young Lions” group of jazz musicians in the 1980s who were bringing back the bebop sound. He released many critically acclaimed albums as a band leader.

Helen Jones Woods (1923–2020), pioneering female jazz trombonist

Helen Jones Woods was a pioneering jazz trombonist who played with the historic integrated all-female jazz band the International Sweethearts of Rhythm during the 1940s.

Constance Weldon (1932–2020), pioneering tuba player

Constance Weldon was a pioneering tuba player believed to be the first woman to play the tuba in a major American orchestra when she joined the Boston Pops in 1955.