Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) was a pioneering American jazz alto saxophonist and a leading figure in the development of bebop. His virtuosic technique and improvisational skills are exemplified in recordings such as "Ko-Ko" (1945) and "Ornithology" (1946). Parker's work with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, including the seminal album "Bird and Diz" (1952), showcased his innovative approach to harmony and rhythm. In 1949, he performed at Carnegie Hall, solidifying his status as a jazz legend. Parker's nickname, "Bird," inspired the title of the 1988 biographical film directed by Clint Eastwood. He remains a central figure in jazz history due to his groundbreaking contributions to the genre.