BORN ON THIS DAY: CHARLIE PARKER
Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, “Symphony Sid” Torin, Hi Hat, Boston, Dec. 1952. Vinnie Haynes.
BIRD LIVES — Celebrating the life and music of Charlie Parker (August 29, 1920–March 12, 1955), Black American alto saxophonist, composer, and landmark musical figure.
In his book, Beneath The Underdog, Charles Mingus recalled his first time hearing Charlie Parker (nicknamed “Bird” or “Yardbird”) in the mid-1940s at Billy Berg’s club in Los Angeles. Mingus was initially resistant to the bebop trend spearheaded by the saxophonist, but after moving to New York in the early 1950s, he became a member of Parker’s band. Mingus and Bird can be heard playing together on the recordings Bird With Strings and The Quintet: Jazz At Massey Hall. After Parker passed away in 1955, Mingus dedicated several compositions in memoriam, including “Reincarnation of a Lovebird,” “Bird Calls,” “Something Like A Bird,” “Parkeriana,” and “Gunslinging Bird (If Charlie Parker Were A Gunslinger, There'd Be A Whole Lot Of Dead Copycats).”
Charlie Parker wielded incredible saxophone technique, intellect, and a deep sense of musicality to advance the development of the artform. His innovations triggered something akin to a B.C.–A.D. separation in music, and in the era that follow his emergence, Parker’s influence was heard and seen near-universally among musicians. This effect was acknowledged by Mingus with one of his album titles, Pre-Bird, comprised of selections he had written before meeting and being influenced by the saxophonist.
“Life has many changes. Tomorrow it may rain and it’s supposed to be sunshine ‘cause it’s summertime. But God’s got a funny soul, he plays like Charlie Parker. He may run some thunder on you, he may take the sun and put it in the nighttime—the way it looks to me.”
Charles Mingus, Roy Haynes, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker at the Open Door, NYC, Sept. 1953. Bob Parent, photographer.
Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, “Symphony Sid” Torin, Roy Haynes, Joe Gordon, Hi Hat, Boston, Dec. 1952. Vinnie Haynes.
“Lovebird” and “Jump Monk” chord sheets, copywork by Jimmy Knepper, ca. 1957. Charles Mingus Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress.
“Poem To Bird — Charles Parker” by Charles Mingus. Liner notes, Town Hall Concert, 1964, Vol. 1, Jazz Workshop, JWS 005.
Charlie Parker holding microphone for Charles Mingus during a bass solo. Location, date, and photographer unknown.