Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher)

US alto saxophonist and jazz composer. He was associated with the trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie in developing the bebop style. His skilful improvisations inspired performers on all jazz instruments.

Parker was born in Kansas City, Missouri, a hub of jazz music. The young Parker studied the work of saxophonist Lester Young and played in several conventional jazz and dance bands. Joining the Earl Hines Orchestra 1942–43 brought him into collaboration with Gillespie, and in their early recordings together (‘Salt Peanuts’, ‘Groovin' High’ (1945)) bebop began to take shape. ‘Ko-Ko’ and ‘Billie's Bounce’ (1945) were recorded with a group that included Miles Davis on trumpet. Among other Parker compositions are ‘Yardbird Suite’ and ‘Ornithology’ (late 1940s). Parker was also very influential as a live performer; primitive bootleg tapes were made by fans, and live albums include Quintet of the Year (1953), again with Gillespie.