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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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August 29: August 29 is the 241st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (242nd in leap years), with 124 days remaining. It is also the 1st day of Thoth - which is the 1st day of the Egyptian Horoscope. Thoth is the Ibis-headed god of knowledge....

1920: 1920 is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar)...

March 12: March 12 is the 71st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (72nd in Leap years). There are 294 days remaining....

Charlie Parker related Images and Photos (experimental)

Charlie Parker - Yard Bird	Charlie Parker Bird at St. Nick's	Charlie Parker - Bird on 52nd Street	Charlie Parker and Miles Davis
Charlie Parker Quintet at Birdland New York City 1953	Charlie Frye	Charlie Ward	Charlie Rich
Charlie Sheen	Charlie Drake	Charlie Drake	Charlie Garner