In 1959, the Miles Davis Quintet was appearing at the famous Birdland nightclub in New York City. After finishing a 27 minute recording for the armed services, Davis took a break outside the club. As he was escorting an attractive blonde woman across the sidewalk to a taxi, Davis was told by Patrolman Gerald Kilduff to „move on.“[34] Davis explained that he worked at the nightclub and refused to move.[35] The officer said that he would arrest Davis and grabbed him as Davis protected himself.[34] Witnesses said that Kilduff punched Davis in the stomach with his nightstick without provocation.[34] Two nearby detectives held the crowd back as a third detective, Don Rolker, approached Davis from behind and beat him about the head. Davis was then arrested and taken to jail where he was charged with feloniously assaulting an officer. He was then taken to St. Clary Hospital where he received five stitches for a wound on his head.[34] Davis attempted to pursue the case in the courts, before eventually dropping the proceedings in a plea bargain in order to recover his suspended Cabaret Card, enabling him to return to work in New York clubs.
(34) “Was Miles Davis beaten over blonde?“. Baltimore Afro-American. September 1, 1959.
(35) “Jazz Trumpeter Miles Davis In Joust With Cops“. Sarasota Journal. August 26, 1959.
Mehr dazu hier, die Bilder hab ich hier gefunden.
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