In honor of the late jazz legend, a block on the Upper West Side of New York City has been renamed Miles Davis Way. The street is known for having been the birthplace of many of the trumpeter's celebrated tunes that we still enjoy today.
On May 26, a portion of New York's 77th street was filled with hundreds of Davis fans in order to celebrate the unveiling of the street sign. Miles Davis Way lies on the aforementioned 77th Street and extends from West End Avenue to Riverside Drive, the very same block the musician called home for nearly 25 years. He resided in an apartment at 312 West 77th Street until the mid-1990s.
Davis passed away back in 1991 at the age of 65.
Longtime neighbor Shirley Zafirau, who still lives in the building, led the ceremonies. In fact, it is because of her efforts that Miles Davis Way exists. After a lengthy battle, a bill was signed last December by then New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg to have the street renamed.
On top of Memorial Day, yesterday would have been Davis' 88th birthday. Folks came by to celebrate, listen to music and even participate in jam sessions, which is apparently something Davis used to enjoy doing when relaxing on his stoop.
"He interacted with the community on the street," Zafirau told the New York Times. "He really liked being there."
