MILES DAVIS
(1926-1991) American jazz musician, considered one of the greatest jazz trumpeters and a cultural icon. Good content handwritten letter (unsigned) on the verso of a retained carbon of a typed letter sent by Miles to Columbia Records producer IRVING TOWNSEND (1920–1981). In the Jan. 23, 1968 typed copy, Davis asks for confirmation that his girlfriend and future wife Betty Mabry had recorded an album for Townsend (who had produced Davis' album "Kind of Blue"). He also hints that he woudl like a commission to be paid to him. On the verso, Davis writes a draft follow-up, in blue ink (date possibly Feb. 14th): "...On Jan. 23rd I wrote you in regard to Betty Mabry and have heard no word...I realize it might take a little time to discuss the 'participation' deal...I can't understand why I haven't received the tapes...would appreciate you advising me..." Very good. SOLD WITH: a telegram to Davis from "Joe Terry and Marcia" congratulating Miles on being awarded a Grammy, and an Aug. 19, 1968 telegram signed "Miles" sent to actress Cicely Tyson giving flight arrival details and adding: "MEET ME AIRPORT". Three pieces. BETTY MABRY (b. 1945) had an enormous effect of Davis life and his music. She met Miles Davis in 1967 and married him in September 1968. In just one year of marriage, she influenced him greatly by introducing him to the fashions and music trends of the era. In his autobiography, Miles credited Betty with helping to plant the seeds of his future musical explorations by introducing the trumpeter to Jimi Hendrix and funk innovator Sly Stone. Miles believed that Hendrix and Betty had an affair which supposedly hastened the end of their marriage, but Betty denies this. Hendrix and Miles stayed close after the divorce, planning to record until Hendrix's death. The influence of Hendrix was obvious on the album "Bitches Brew" (1970), which ushered in the era of jazz fusion. The telegram to Tyson is especially interesting - one month later, Davis marries Mabry, and he would marry Tyson in 1981!