Dizzy Gillespie Jazz Music
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Dizzy Gillespie Jazz Music - Trumpet Master!
Dizzy Gillespie is credited with being one of the forefathers of modern Jazz music. His gifted trumpet playing introduced complex harmonies into his music that had never been heard before in Jazz. Along with Charlie Parker he created the "bebop" style of Jazz. Dizzy was also the first to play Afro-Cuban style Jazz music, incorporating South American rhythms into his new music form.
Born in 1917 into a large family Dizzy had a difficult childhood. He took the first steps to turn his life around when he taught himself to play the trumpet at the age of 12. He was still making music 63 years later, performing live up until a year before his death in 1993. His characteristic bent trumpet, pouched cheeks and scat singing will long be remembered by his fans.
Image credit: Nambassa Trust and Peter Terry http://www.nambassa.com
A Quick Dizzy Gillespie Bio
Born October 21, 1917 in Southern California. Named John Birks Gillespie, he was the youngest of nine children.
Taught himself to play the trumpet and trombone by the age of 12. Earned a scholarship to Laurinburg Music Institute but dropped out to pursue a music career.
First professional job with the Frankie Fairfax Orchestra in 1935.
Joined Teddy Hill's band in 1937, replacing his boyhood idol Roy Eldridge as first trumpet. Also recorded for the first time.
Joined Cab Calloway's orchestra in 1939. Left in 1941 after a fight with Calloway over his style of playing.
Freelanced with several bands including Ella Fitzgeralds orchestra, Duke Ellingtons and Chick Webbs bands. Composed music for other big bandleaders such as Jimmy Dorsey and Woody Herman.
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1943 played in the big band of Billy Erkstine, teaming up with Charlie Parker. Left Erkstine in 1945 because he wanted to play in smaller 5 member combos.
Jammed with Charlie Parker in famous Jazz houses such as Minton's Playhouse. The first seeds of "bepop" style were planted.
After working with Parker, Dizzy led several small combos before forming his first successful big band in the mid 1940's.
Late 1940's saw the beginnings of the Afro-Cuban style. Dizzy was a major player in this movement which combined African and South American Rhythms.
A tour of the Middle East in 1956 earned him the title of "Ambassador of Jazz".
In 1960 he was inducted into the Jazz Hall of fame.
Wrote his biography "To Be Or Not To Bop" in 1979.
In the 1980's led the United Nations Orchestra.
Still performing strong in 1989, Dizzy gave over 300 performances in 27 countries.
Died in January 1993 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 75. He was survived by his wife, Lorraine Willis Gillespie and daughter, jazz singer Jeanie Bryson.
Gillespie Pouches
Dizzy's pouched cheeks was actually a condition caused by poor trumpet technique, allowing his cheeks to inflate rather than keeping them taut. This is most likely due to his lack of formal training. "Gillespie Pouches" is now used as a medical term for the condition.
Now this is how you blow a horn!
Dizzy Gillespie's Auto-biography
To Be, or Not . . . to Bop
Amazon Price: $12.93 (as of 05/31/2012)
This book is a lesson in music. You don't have to know John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie's songs to feel his influence. The self-taught trumpet player rose from a poor but musically driven upbringing to become a jazz mastermind, founding the bebop movement and giving rise to Afro-Cuban music.
This extensive biography is intertwined with reflections from famous Gillespie associates Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others. They provide numerous perspectives of Gillespie's early start on the road to fame and the spirited times that would follow.
Dizzy's Slant Trumpet
When Dizzy's trumpet was bent by somebody falling on it at a party, he discovered he actually liked it that way. The angle of the bell allowed him to read music easier and also allowed him to hear his notes sooner.
Dizzy Gillespie Music and Memorabilia
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