Charlie Parker
1920-1955 · American (Kansas City/New York) · Bebop Jazz
Known for: Co-inventor of bebop who revolutionized jazz with virtuosic alto saxophone playing - known as 'Bird'
Parker was a heroin addict from age 15 who possessed one of the most brilliant musical minds in history. His improvisations redefined jazz with impossible speed and harmonic sophistication. He died at 34 so ravaged that the coroner estimated his age at 53.
The graffiti 'Bird Lives' appeared across New York within hours of his death and has never stopped appearing.
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