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Charles Christopher Parker Jr was born in Kansas on August 29th 1920.
His parents separated when he was still a small child, and he and his mother moved to Missouri. At the time of their move, the jazz scene was still in the process of taking off. Charlie would wander around for hours on his own, listening to the sounds that seemed to float out from the various clubs and shows.
At school, he grabbed every opportunity he could to learn music, by the time he reached high school, it had become an obsession. He played in the school marching band and at the age of fifteen joined his first band. He desperately wanted to learn to play the alto sax; he received a lot of coaching from his music teacher. He practised at every opportunity; he was determined to be one of the best.
In 1938 he began to travel through various states in America. He worked his way through Chicago and New York, before returning home to Kansas City. In 1940 he joined one of the big bands that were popular at the time.
He stayed with then for four years before leaving to appear with various other bands. His style had become one of the most recognised in the world.
In 1949 he opened his jazz club called Birdland, the atmosphere was electric, many of the big names would just drop in to play, often dragging Charlie up in stage with them, much to the audiences delight.
During 1949 and 1950 he travelled to Europe, he loved the change of scene. He did not care if he performed solo or with a band, the music still excited him. He made numerous recordings, and appeared on a huge number of radio shows. Everywhere he went, the fans loved him.
But on his return to America, things were not going to well. In 1951 he had his cabaret license revoked, this made it almost impossible for him to play in clubs.
Many of the musicians he admired had also become personal friends, and they tried to influence any decisions he made, and for a time it looked as though he could turn his life around. It was hoped the inspiration they gave him musically could be extended into his private life.
But his failing health, both physical and mental was being questioned by those closest to him. His friends were desperately concerned for him. He brushed aside their worries and continued to work.
On March 5th 1955, Charlie performed at Birdland once more where he was at his happiest.
But just one week later on March 12th, Charlie died unexpectedly at a friend |
