Charlie Parker, commonly known as "Bird," was an iconic figure in the world of jazz music, credited as one of the founding fathers of bebop. Born on August 29, 1920, in Kansas City, Kansas, Parker's virtuosic saxophone playing and revolutionary approach to melody, rhythm, and harmony ushered in a new era for jazz, characterized by fast tempos and complex chord progressions.

Throughout his career, Parker battled with personal demons and struggled with the pressures of his groundbreaking artistry. Despite personal obstacles, including battling addiction, he managed to produce works of lasting significance. His collaborations with other jazz legends like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie are cherished, documenting some of the most dynamic and formative moments in jazz history. Charlie Parker's life was cut tragically short at the age of 34, but his influence resonates in jazz and beyond. His posthumously released recordings, such as "Unheard Bird: The Unissued Takes" and re-mastered collections like "The Savoy 10-inch LP Collection," continue to captivate listeners and inspire musicians. Parker's complex improvisations and innovative techniques remain a benchmark for excellence in modern music, and his legacy as a defining voice of jazz is immortalized through his timeless recordings and the many artists who walk in his footsteps.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Cool Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Saxophone

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Miles Davis

John Coltrane

Dizzy Gillespie

Sonny Rollins

Thelonious Monk

Chet Baker

Bud Powell

Art Pepper

Clifford Brown

Stan Getz

Cannonball Adderley

Dexter Gordon

Latest Release

Bird In Kansas City (Live)

Charlie Parker

Album - 13 Tracks - Released October 25, 2024