100% Authentic We are the authentication service

Miles Davis Owned and Used Trumpet (from Dominique Wilkins' Collection)

American Memorabilia enthusiastically presents this original trumpet that was owned by the legendary Miles Davis, among the greatest jazz musicians ever. Originality in composition and arrangements made Davis one of the most creative artists of the 20th Century. He was the pioneer who inspired “cool jazz,” a distinctive style that emerged in the late 1950’s. The combined talents of Davis and Herbie Hancock were key to the introduction of the so-called “Age of Fusion,” in which the trumpet is brass with three inlayed mother-of-pearl keys. Davis possessed a style and technique that were products of his immense natural abilities, as improvisation and phrasing took precedence over standard blues and chord changes. Born in Alton, Ill., on May 26, 1926, Davis was quick to make a name for himself in music circles - at age 20, he played in the Charlie Parker quintet. In the mid-50's, Miles overcame personal challenges to form his first group, which also featured greats Paul Chambers, John Coltrane, Red Garland and Philly Joe Jones. Before the close of the decade, Davis recorded "Kind of Blue", one of the best-known jazz albums of all time. In 1970, his "Bitches Brew" production sold 400,000 copies, the biggest seller of all time. Of particular interest is the provenance for this trumpet, which is the jewel of the Dominique Wilkins collection that we feature this month. Prior to his death on Sept. 28, 1991, Davis donated the instrument to The Magic Johnson Foundation, the newly formed charity of basketball superstar Magic Johnson. The purpose of the foundation is to allocate grants to, and partner with, non-profit agencies for the benefit of disadvantaged children. Each summer the foundation hosts “A Mid-Summer’s Night Magic.” Typically, a number of other NBA stars take an active part in the event. Among them is Wilkins, a strong supporter of the foundation. As a token of his appreciation, Johnson personally gave Wilkins the trumpet. Engraved on the trumpet where the mouthpice attaches reads “Made in Czechoslovakia,” the second key of the trumpet is engraved with the serial number "579528." The top end of the piece features an elegant floral engraving. The winning bidder will also receive a letter of authenticity from Wilkins himself.

Authentication: 100% Authentic/Dominique Wilkins