Guide Note

Charlie Parker, also nicknamed "Yardbird", was one of the most influential saxophonists in Jazz history and one of the leading players in development of the Bebop style of Jazz. With his virtuoso control over his instrument and knack for improvisation, Parker quickly became one of the most sought after and imitated artists of his time. With now-standard compositions such as "Ornithology" and "Confirmation", Parker's influence on the Jazz idiom was substantial. Although Parker's drug addiction and personal troubles eventually led to his early dead at the age of 34, his many recordings and influence on other players assured him of an unassailable legacy in the history of Jazz.

Fast Facts

1. Name: Charles Parker, Jr.
2. Nickname: Bird, Yardbird
3. Born: August 29, 1920
4. Died: March 12, 1955
5. Origin: Kansas City, Missouri

Born in Kansas City, Parker took up the Saxophone at age 11 and began practicing relentless until (rumor has it) he could play each tune in all 12 keys. After touring the clubs of Chicago and New York City with pianist Jay McShann's band, Parker moved to NY and began jamming with a number of musicians (such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Christian) in after hours clubs around Harlem. Parker then formed a band with Gillespie and produced a number of influential recordings that helped to solidify the Bebop sound. While Parker's emerging Heroin addiction began causing problems with his performing, he continued to produce recordings that made him a star in the Jazz world. On March 12, 1955, Parker died of pneumonia at the age of 34, ending one of the most influential careers in modern music.