PARKER, CHARLIE

PARKER, CHARLIE Along with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie "Bird" Parker (1920-1955) generally is recognized as being one of the founders of the "bop" sound in American music during the 1940's. An alto saxophonist, Parker played with the bands of Noble Sissle, Earl Hines, Cootie Williams, Andy Kirk and Billy Eckstine during the 1940's and with Erroll Garner and his own quintet during the early 1950's. He made his final appearance in 1955, playing at New York City's "Birdland," a club named in his honor.