Jazz legend Miles Davis has landed a street honour in New York. Shirley Zafirau, Davis’ former neighbour, launched a campaign to have a block named Miles Davis Way five years ago after noticing many other musicians, including Duke Ellington, Chico O’Farrill and John Hicks had been feted with the honour.
She says, “I wondered, ‘Why isn’t Miles recognised in the same way on this block?’ He interacted with the community on the street. He really liked being here.” On Tuesday (27May14), former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a bill renaming the street, according to the New York Times.
Vince Wilburn, Jr., Davis’ nephew, says, “It’s a great honour for my uncle. The family is very excited about it.” Davis died in 1991 from the combined effects of a stroke, pneumonia and respiratory failure.
