Biography
Charles Parker Jr. (August 29, 1920 β March 12, 1955), nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird", was an American jazz saxophonist, band leader and composer. Parker was a highly influential soloist and leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique, and advanced harmonies. He was a virtuoso and introduced revolutionary rhythmic and harmonic ideas into jazz, including rapid passing chords, new variants of altered chords, and chord substitutions. Primarily a player of the alto saxophone, Parker's tone ranged from clean and penetrating to sweet and somber.
Parker acquired the nickname "Yardbird" early in his career on the road with Jay McShann. This, and the shortened form "Bird", continued to be used for the rest of his life, inspiring the titles of a number of Parker compositions, such as "Yardbird Suite", "Ornithology", "Bird Gets the Worm", and "Bird of Paradise".
Parker was an icon for the hipster subculture and later the Beat Generation, personifying the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual rather than just an entertainer.
Filmography
all 11
Movies 10
self 9
TV Shows 1
Eastwood Symphonic (2023)
Charlie Parker: Bird Songs (2022)
Bird: Not Out Of Nowhere (2020)
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (2019)
Take Your Pills (2018)
Improvisation (2004)
Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music (1993)
Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker (1989)
Improvisation (1950)
Cool
Masters Of American Music
Ratings
Information
Known ForActing
GenderMale
Birthday1920-08-29
Deathday1955-03-12 (34 years old)
Birth PlaceKansas City, United States of America
Religionatheism
RelationshipsChan Parker (1925-01-01 - 1999-01-01)
CitizenshipsUnited States of America
Also Known AsCharlie "Bird" Parker, Bird Parker
AwardsGrammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame, Grammy Award for Best Improvised Jazz Solo
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