MSU Professor Credits MLK For Jazz Album Inspiration
RELATED: Colorado Jazz Legend Ron Miles Dies At 58
DENVER (CBS4) - Metropolitan State University of Denver professor Ron Miles absolutely loves jazz. He says when he plays music, he tries to be as present as possible.
"I also think about the people who came before us who are looking down, if they decided to take a break from what they're doing, they'd enjoy what they're hearing," he told CBS4's Dominic Garcia.
Miles recently released the jazz album "I AM A MAN." He says the album was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and what he did before he was killed.
"It celebrates 50 years since Dr. King went down to Memphis to initially support the sanitation workers, but was tragically killed at that same time… the placards that the striking workers were holding symbolizing we are people, and I am man," said Miles.
The album has received great reviews and Miles will be playing music from it at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Feb. 2. He's also been nominated for a Grammy Award for his work on Joshua Redman's album "Still Dreaming."
He hopes when people listen to his music, they think of the message Martin Luther King Jr. preached.
"To see us in our brothers and sisters. As long as we can start with that place of respect, then we really have a chance to carry out his dream."
You can watch the Recording Academy's 61st annual Grammy Awards live on Sunday on CBS4 at 6 p.m.