Jazz

[mum121]

Which jazz instrumentalist was known as "The Bird"?

[mattie]

Charlie Parker

[AHUGH9]

Charlie 'Bird' Parker is one of the few musicians who can genuinely be described as having changed the face of jazz music. Along with contemporary Dizzy Gilespie, Bird is acknowledged as one of the founders of the be-bop style. His influence lives on long after his death, with seminal artists like John Coltrane recognising Parkers's huge influence on the jazz styles that evolved after his death. Virtually all his recorded output is available on cd, along with a vast range of live and compilation albums. It's hard to reconcile the enormous output and influence that Bird left behind after his tragic death in 1955 aged only 34.