Charlie Parker – The Architect of Bebop
Charlie Parker, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird", was one of the most revolutionary figures in jazz history. Born Charles Parker Jr. on August 29, 1920, he is widely regarded as the greatest jazz saxophonist of all time and a primary architect of bebop.
Parker grew up in Kansas City, Missouri — a major jazz hub during the swing era. He began playing alto saxophone as a teenager and quickly developed extraordinary technical skill. By his late teens he was gigging professionally, including with Jay McShann's band.
In New York, at Minton's Playhouse and other spots, Parker collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clarke, and others to forge bebop — fast, complex, improvisational jazz.
Mid-1940s Savoy & Dial sessions produced masterpieces like "Ornithology", "Ko-Ko", "Yardbird Suite", "Confirmation", and more — now jazz standards.
The 1950 album Charlie Parker with Strings blended bebop with orchestral arrangements. His influence reached Coltrane, Miles Davis, rock, and beyond. Birdland club was named for him.
Severe heroin addiction took a heavy toll. Parker died March 12, 1955, at age 34 — body aged far beyond his years.
Start with The Complete Savoy & Dial Master Takes or The Genius of Charlie Parker compilations.