WABC-TV’s Art McFarland reports on the celebration for the re-naming of 77th street between Riverside Drive and West End to Miles Davis Way.

In a separate report, The Root spoke with several people including longtime neighbor Shirley Zafirau, who spearheaded the effort to have the street named “Miles Davis Way.” Here is an excerpt:

She’s well aware of Davis’ artistic legacy, yet emphasizes his role as a neighbor:

“We all went to the same butcher. He’d walk around, always visible. Miles would lean on the retaining wall at 312 W. 77th St., and he’d say in his raspy voice, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ And he’d interact with all the people who lived on this street.”

One day she was on her way to work. Davis pulled up in his Ferrari.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“I’m going to work, Miles.”

“Where’s work?”

“In the garment center, 40th and Broadway,” she said.

“Come on, I’ll give you a ride,” said Miles.

“He gave me a lift. So whenever he’d see me on the street, he’d say, ‘You need a ride?’ He was cool, nice and a little quiet.”