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 John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was one of the greatest jazz trumpet players of the 20th century. Nicknamed Dizzy for his on-stage antics, Gillespie set new standards for trumpet players with his innovative rhythmic and harmonic explorations. This definitive change moved American jazz from swing to "bebop". Gillespie joined Cab Calloway's orchestra in 1939 and worked with many bands in the early 1940's, including Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, and Bill Eckstine before teaming up with Charlie Parker in 1945. Dizzy also wrote some of the greatest jazz tunes of the era, including Groovin' High, A Night in Tunisia, and Manteca. Dizzy became a symbol of both jazz and of independence during the 40's and 50's. His interest in Cuban and African music helped to introduce these genres to a mainstream American audience. Entire generations of trumpet players are influenced by Dizzy's music, as well as by his upbeat and optimistic attitude.
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Copyright © 2008 Conn-Selmer, Inc. © Estate of Lorraine Gillespie 2008. DIZZY and DIZZY GILLESPIE and the images and likeness of Dizzy Gillespie are used under license. |