MONTCLAIR, NJ: Dark Magus: The Jekyll and Hyde Life of Miles Davis, Gregory Davis's no-holds-barred look at his father's life, published by Backbeat Books in 2006, will be the basis of feature film being developed by George Tillman, Jr., director of Notorious. Gregory Davis will serve as a consultant on the film, which will be called “Miles Davis."
In Dark Magus, the younger Davis takes a warts-and-all look at the real Miles Davis, stripping away the public perception of his father and getting down to the realities of his personality, his relationships, and his many quirks. Gregory delves into Miles' relationships with artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane, as well as his role as a mentor to young musicians, his obsession with sports, the ups and downs of his career, and the family's turmoil over his final will.
“I trust George Tillman and Nick Raynes [who will co-produce the film with Ged Dickerson] will tell the true story of my father—without sugar-coating," Gregory Davis told The Hollywood Reporter. “My father was an amazing man who believed in the promise of America. I know this film will do him justice."
Backbeat Books publishes books for performers and fans passionate about music. Recent jazz titles include Here and Now! The Autobiography of Pat Martino and Antonio Carlos Jobim: An Illuminated Life. For more information, visit backbeatbooks.com.
This book is a brilliant and engaging revelation of Miles' character through the recollections of his oldest son. It's a book about a legendary musician who was one of my closest friends, and a book that's second to none." —Clark Terry
“A vivid and intimate portrait from a rare viewpoint." —New York Post, Required Reading
In Dark Magus, the younger Davis takes a warts-and-all look at the real Miles Davis, stripping away the public perception of his father and getting down to the realities of his personality, his relationships, and his many quirks. Gregory delves into Miles' relationships with artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane, as well as his role as a mentor to young musicians, his obsession with sports, the ups and downs of his career, and the family's turmoil over his final will.
“I trust George Tillman and Nick Raynes [who will co-produce the film with Ged Dickerson] will tell the true story of my father—without sugar-coating," Gregory Davis told The Hollywood Reporter. “My father was an amazing man who believed in the promise of America. I know this film will do him justice."
Backbeat Books publishes books for performers and fans passionate about music. Recent jazz titles include Here and Now! The Autobiography of Pat Martino and Antonio Carlos Jobim: An Illuminated Life. For more information, visit backbeatbooks.com.
This book is a brilliant and engaging revelation of Miles' character through the recollections of his oldest son. It's a book about a legendary musician who was one of my closest friends, and a book that's second to none." —Clark Terry
“A vivid and intimate portrait from a rare viewpoint." —New York Post, Required Reading
