Musical Chameleon Miles Davis Must be Laughing from Beyond the Grave GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

Musical chameleon Miles Davis must be laughing from beyond the grave at the dispute over his recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many criticize the decision, terming Davis a jazzman, and calling him an inappropriate choice for a Rock music establishment. However, Davis was never strictly a jazz artist. His style teemed with crossovers and musical ambiguities. The blurring of traditional genres was an intentional move on Davis’ part, and proved to be one of his most influential choices as an artist.

Davis first found fame as a be-bop jazz player, playing along side Charlie Parker, but switched to minimalist style soon after. He could easily have remained a talented artist in the jazz idiom, were it not for the fact that he felt fated to change again and again. Davis called it his ‘curse’ and it profoundly affected the music of his later career. By the 70s he was performing in rock venues dressed in sequins, snakeskin and other clothing associated with a rock sensibility. His musical ideas and style influenced many artists of the 80s.

Those who find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to be incorrect in its choice to admit Davis are simply interested in preserving a pure and early-career version of Davis in the public eye. Clearly, there were several incarnations of Davis’ artistry and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chose to recognize this ‘curse’ as a worthy of celebration. Davis now stands along side legends such as the Beatles and Michael Jackson for his essential musical influence. Known simply as ‘Miles,’ Davis was a tireless innovator and truly was rockstar in his time.

“Musical chameleon Miles Davis must be laughing from beyond the grave”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. The author believes those who criticize Davis are:

1. misinformed
2. traditional
3. progressive
4. ordinary
5. unintelligent

2. The author believes Davis’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is

1. unwarranted
2. peculiar
3. complicated
4. justified
5. surprising

3. According to the passage Davis’ ‘curse’ was his

1. rockstar appearance.
2. needs to break free from his early career.
3. interest in musical scholarship.
4. negative feelings towards jazz.
5. regular artistic transformations.

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