One of jazz's most legendary figures, saxophonist Charlie Parker - or Bird as he
was affectionately known - was an iconic figure of the Beat Generation who
helped change the course of jazz with the creation of a new "bebop" style. The
son of an alcoholic pianist and singer, Parker first started playing sax at the
age of 11 and by the time he was 14, he was playing in a school band. Inspired
by Kansas based groups led by Count Basie and Bennie Moten, Parker practiced
constantly, going on to join Jay McShann's band playing night clubs, where his
exceptional talent was first noted. ...