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.

Mingus's temper

As respected as Mingus was for his musical talents, he was often feared for his sometimes violent onstage temper, which was at times directed at members of his band, and other times aimed at the audience. He was physically large – prone to obesity, especially in his later years – and was by all accounts often intimidating and frightening when expressing anger or displeasure.

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When confronted with a nightclub audience talking and clicking ice in their glasses while he performed, Mingus stopped his band and loudly chastised the audience, stating "Isaac Stern doesn't have to put up with this shit" http://www.swing2bop.com/articles.html; he once played a prank on a similar group of nightclub chatterers by silencing his band for several seconds, allowing the loud audience members to be clearly heard, then continuing as the rest of the audience snickered at the oblivious 'soloists'. While onstage at a memorial concert he reportedly attempted to crush his pianist's hands with the instrument's keyboard cover, then punched trombonist Jimmy Knepper in the mouth. Jackie McLean once stabbed Mingus after Mingus punched him, fearing the bassist was about to kill him. Mingus' onstage destruction of an $800 bass prompted British rockers The Animals – avid fans who witnessed Mingus's characteristic explosion at a London show – to emulate the outburst, starting a trend of rampant destruction of musical equipment in 'rock theater' popularized by Jimi Hendrix and The Who, which continues to this day.

Related Topics:
Isaac Stern - Jimmy Knepper - The Animals - Jimi Hendrix - The Who

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