Page "Miles Davis" Paragraph 3

Davis ' mother, Cleota Mae ( Henry ) Davis, wanted her son to learn the piano ; she was a capable blues pianist but kept this fact hidden from her son.

His musical studies began at 13, when his father gave him a trumpet and arranged lessons with local musician Elwood Buchanan.

Davis later suggested that his father's instrument choice was made largely to irk his wife, who disliked the trumpet's sound.

Against the fashion of the time, Buchanan stressed the importance of playing without vibrato ; he was reported to have slapped Davis ' knuckles every time he started using heavy vibrato.

Davis would carry his clear signature tone throughout his career.

He once remarked on its importance to him, saying, " I prefer a round sound with no attitude in it, like a round voice with not too much tremolo and not too much bass.

Just right in the middle.

If I can ’ t get that sound I can ’ t play anything.

" Clark Terry was another important early influence.