It was Davis's first new studio album since 1972’s On the Corner, his first recordings of any kind since 1975 and his first activity following a six-year retirement.

The album title references his 1952 10-inch LP Young Man with a Horn.

The album marked Davis's return to more traditional acoustic trumpet playing after having utilized electronics in the mid-1970s, although the title song "The Man with the Horn" does feature a wah-wah pedal on Davis's improvisation (along with a lead vocal by keyboardist Randy Hall).

The title for "Fat Time" derived from a nickname given to guitarist Mike Stern during the recording sessions.

[5] All tracks composed by Miles Davis; except where indicated Musicians Production