Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie

Saxophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker (born August 29, 1920) and trumpeter John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie (born October 21, 1917) together revolutionized jazz music with their harmonic and rhythmic innovations. Both virtuosos on their respective instruments, they basically set the standard for others to aspire to. While Parker’s life was cut short by his addictive, self destructive life style, he still set the standard for every other saxophonist to aspire to. Gillespie lived a long productive life, becoming a senior statesman of the music, a consistent inspiration to all who came in contact with him.