Miles Davis at 100: Musicians explain why he is the GOAT

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Thirty-five years after his death, jazz giant Miles Davis, who would have turned 100 years old Tuesday, remains a truly larger-than-life figure in music and well beyond.Still possessor of the biggest-selling jazz record in history, “Kind of Blue,” Davis casts a huge influence over the whole music world for his uncompromising artistic vision, constant evolution, style and more.Though he came from jazz, he may be the biggest rock star there ever was.

Talk to any musician, regardless of genre, and they will tell you Davis defined swagger and cool.He had a vibe unlike that of anyone else.In honor of Davis’ centennial, The Times spoke to an array of notable artists from all walks of music, some who knew and played with him, some fans of the man, but all agreed, Miles Davis was and is a singular force in music, an artist like no other in his vision, passion and feeling for the music.

In short, there was only one Miles Davis.Chuck D, rapper: I like Miles Davis and all the exterior aesthetics.I like the Blue Note album covers, Prestige album covers, his style, his way of life.Cindy Blackman Santana, drummer: Stylistically, Miles was a complete innovator.

I remember hearing him say that he didn’t play right if he wasn’t dressed right.That is completely something that inspires me as well, because it becomes not only what you’re putting out on your horn or your drums or your guitar or your piano, but it’s your whole being that is expressing this innovative approach to music and to life.Bilal, singer: If you play the music you’ve got to look the part, and it was almost like he got into a movie role or something like that.

But he was always into the clothes … It was almost like every era had a different outfit.But, yeah, I definitely take his style.

The clothes make you feel a certain way to play that way.So that’s the vibe.

You’ve got to have that character, that ...