Charlie Parker, jazz saxophonist, died March 12, 1955. He was 34.

Parker was born September 29, 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri. A gift of a saxophone from his mother when he was 11 soon got Parker on the way to a show business career.

He began playing in local bands, and by 1941 was making recordings with the Jay McShann band. He and Dizzy Gillespie collaborated during this time frame. The collaboration produced a new kind of jazz called bop or bebop.

Parker’s innovations caused trouble for both himself and his contemporaries. His inability to handle their criticism led to a nervous breakdown in 1946. He spent half a year in a sanitarium.

After his release, Parker continued to tour the country and for two years, 1949-50, he toured Europe with great success.

Parker composed several jazz classics.

He died on March 12, 1955 in New York City.




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