Miles Davis’s Centennial Celebration: Reservoir Media’s $60M Deal Sparks Global Tributes

Reservoir Media acquired in September 2025, 90% of Miles Davis’s music publishing rights and master recording revenue for $40–60 million, timed for his 2026 centennial, marking 100 years since his birth on May 26, 1926. The deal, including shared control over his name and likeness, highlights the enduring value of Davis’s catalog, featuring iconic albums like Kind of Blue (1959), Bitches Brew (1970), and Sketches of Spain (1960), which remain pivotal in jazz history. Collaborating with the Miles Davis Estate, managed by Cheryl Davis, Erin Davis, and Vincent Wilburn Jr., Reservoir is planning tributes including a biopic, Miles & Juliette, exploring his life and relationship with Juliette Gréco, a global symphonic concert series reimagining his works, and an M.E.B. tour reviving his fusion-era sound with rock and funk influences.

The centennial will also feature remastered album reissues, unreleased tracks, and educational programs with Jazz at Lincoln Center, showcasing Davis’s evolution from bebop to fusion. While the estate emphasizes preserving his artistic integrity, some fans on platforms like X worry about over-commercialization through licensing for films and streaming. Reservoir pledges to honor Davis’s vision, ensuring his music’s relevance. Starting in November 2025, these events will celebrate Davis’s transformative legacy, reaffirming his role as a jazz pioneer.