Charles "Bird" Parker, Jr. (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Early in his career Parker was dubbed "Yardbird" (there are many contradictory stories of its origin). It was later shortened to "Bird" and remained Parker's nickname for the rest of his life and inspiration for the titles of his works, such as "Yardbird Suite" and "Bird Feathers". The New York City nightclub Birdland was named after him, as was the George Shearing song "Lullaby of Birdland." Parker is commonly considered one of the greatest jazz musicians, ranked with such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. Jazz critic Scott Yanow speaks for many jazz fans and musicians when he states that "Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time." A founding father of bebop, Parker's innovative approach to melody, rhythm and harmony was enormously influential on his contemporaries, and his music remains an inspiration and resource for jazz and other musicians. Several of Parker's songs have become standards of the repertoire, such as "Billies Bounce" and "Anthropology".
Links:
The Official Charlie Parker Website
Discography
Bop City's Essential Recordings:
