First look at a new commemorative Miles Davis scuplture

In Alton, Illinois, birth place of trumpeter Miles Davis, work has been progressing on the creation of a commemorative sculpture of the great man. In April this year we reported on the decision to commission the sculpture which will stand in downtown Alton. It will be cast in bronze and stand 6 feet five inches tall, depicting a thirty-something Miles.

Unveiling will be on September 12. Preston Jackson, professor emeritus of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, has been working on the project for three months. A huge Miles Davis fan himself, he listened to a lot of his music while he worked and referenced countless classic photographs. 

“It’s an honour to do something of Miles. I feel so honoured by this,” he said. “I know his music. I know so much about the culture. Of course I do because I’m African American, but when you add music it sort of wanders into another dimension. You see how universal music is. Anybody can speak through the music.”