Charlie Parker, often called “Bird,” revolutionized modern jazz with his virtuosic saxophone playing and groundbreaking improvisation. His innovative bebop style transformed the music world and continues to influence musicians today.
Charlie Parker earned the nickname 'Yardbird' after he asked a driver to stop and pick up a chicken (a 'yardbird') that had been hit by a car on the way to a gig in Missouri.
Practice Questions
Q:What was Charlie Parker’s famous nickname?
A:Bird
Charlie Parker earned the nickname “Bird” or “Yardbird,” symbolizing his free, soaring style and quick creativity. The name became inseparable from both his persona and his influence in modern jazz.
Q:When was Charlie Parker born and when did he die?
A:1920–1955
Charlie Parker was born on August 29, 1920, in Kansas City, Kansas, and died on March 12, 1955, in New York City, marking a short but transformative life in jazz history.