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.

Early life

Mingus was born in Nogales, Arizona, but raised largely in the Watts area of Los Angeles, California.

Related Topics:
Nogales, Arizona - Watts - Los Angeles, California

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His mother allowed only church-related music in their home, but Mingus developed an early love for jazz, especially Ellington's music. He studied trombone, and later cello. Much of the cello technique he learned was applicable to double bass when he took up the instrument in high school.

Related Topics:
Trombone - Cello - Double bass - High school

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Even in his teen years, Mingus was writing a considerable number of rather advanced pieces; many are similar to Third Stream Jazz. A number of them were recorded in 1960 with conductor Gunther Schuller, and released as Pre-Bird.

Related Topics:
Third Stream Jazz - 1960 - Gunther Schuller

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