A Tribute to Jack Johnson is the original soundtrack for the documentary about African American boxer Jack Johnson, directed by William Cayton. Miles Davis composed and recorded the music in sessions held in 1970 at Columbia Studio B in New York, with a rotating cast of musicians including John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, and Billy Cobham.
The album is characterized by a raw, energetic sound, with long improvisations over funk and rock grooves. The centerpiece, 'Right Off', features a guitar riff by McLaughlin and a trumpet solo by Davis, while 'Yesternow' includes a bass section inspired by Isaac Hayes' 'Theme from Shaft'. Davis considered this album one of his favorites.
Although initially not a commercial success, A Tribute to Jack Johnson has been reappraised over time as a masterpiece of jazz fusion and one of Davis's most aggressive recordings. It reached number 159 on the Billboard 200 chart and has influenced generations of rock and jazz musicians.