The American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator, and singer Dizzy Gillespie was born on July 29, 1922, in New York City. He built on the virtuosic style of Roy Eldridge but added layers of harmonic and rhythmic complexity previously unknown in jazz. He popularized bebop music due to his talents, showmanship, and wit. He is famous for his beret, and horn-rimmed glasses, scat singing, bent horn, pouched cheeks, and lighthearted personality typified bebop.
Gillespie played in numerous bands in the late 1930s and early 1940s, including Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, and Billy Eckstine. During his time in New York City, he also participated in many late-night jam sessions at Minton’s Playhouse, one of the clubs’ regulars that pioneered the bebop sound and style. In the late 1940s, Gillespie formed his orchestra, considered one of the finest large big bands in jazz. Notable for complex instrumental arrangements and virtuosity. Among his many influences were trumpeters Miles Davis, Jon Faddis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Morgan, Chuck Mangione, and balladeer Johnny Hartman.
Below are some amazing photos of young Dizzy Gillespie captured on December 2, 1955, by Carl Van Vechten.
