Charlie Parker

Charles Christopher Parker, Jr. (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Early in his career Parker was dubbed Yardbird; this was later shortened to Bird and remained Parker's nickname for the rest of his life.

Related Topics:
August 29 - 1920 - March 12 - 1955 - Jazz - Saxophonist - Nickname

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Parker is commonly considered one of the greatest jazz musicians, ranked alongside Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and perhaps Charles Mingus in terms of influence and impact. Parker is widely ranked as one of the best saxophonists; critic Scott Yanow speaks for many jazz fans and musicians when he suggests that "Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time."http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:83ri287r052a~T1

Related Topics:
Louis Armstrong - Duke Ellington - Miles Davis - John Coltrane - Charles Mingus - Saxophonist

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A founding figure of bebop, Parker's innovative approach to melody, rhythm and harmony have exerted an incalculable influence on jazz. Several of Parker's songs have become standards of the repertoire, and many musicians have studied Parker's music and absorbed elements of his style.

Related Topics:
Bebop - Melody - Rhythm - Harmony - Standards

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Parker became an icon for the Beat generation, and was a pivotal figure in the evolving conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. At various times, Parker fused jazz with other musical styles, from classical (seeking to study with Edgard Varese and Stefan Wolpe) to Latin music (recordings with Machito), blazing paths followed later by others.

Related Topics:
Beat generation - Intellectual - Edgard Varese - Stefan Wolpe - Latin music - Machito

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