Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus (April 22, 1922 - January 5, 1979) was an American jazz bassist, composer, bandleader, and occasional pianist. He is also known for his activism against racial segregation.

After his death

At the time of his death, Mingus had been recording an album with singer Joni Mitchell, which included vocal versions of some of his songs (including "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat") among Mitchell originals and short, spoken word duets and home recordings of Mitchell and Mingus. To show how important his influence was on the jazz world, this album also featured Jaco Pastorius, a similarly self-destructive bassist.

Related Topics:
Joni Mitchell - Jaco Pastorius

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The music of Charles Mingus is currently being performed and reinterpreted by the Mingus Big Band, which plays every Tuesday and Thursday in New York City, and often tours the rest of the United States and Europe. Elvis Costello has written lyrics for a few Mingus pieces and has sung them in performances with the Mingus Big Band. Other tribute bands are also active around the US, including Mingus Amungus in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Related Topics:
Mingus Big Band - New York City - United States - Elvis Costello - Mingus Amungus - San Francisco Bay Area

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Bass players continue to revere Mingus and his work, as exemplified by Pat Kays, the bassist of third-wave ska band Catch 22, who took the name Mingus as his nickname.

Related Topics:
Third-wave ska - Catch 22

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A documentary film by Ray Davies entitled Weird Nightmare was released in 1991. It contains footage of Mingus and interviews with artists making Hal Willner's tribute album of the same name, including Elvis Costello, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, and Vernon Reid.

Related Topics:
Ray Davies - Hal Willner - Elvis Costello - Charlie Watts - Keith Richards - Vernon Reid

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