THELONIOUS MONK
(1917 - 1982)

Pianist, composer, arranger, leader.  Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, ca. 1918.  Monk was a self-taught pianist who emerged as a major force in jazz after the death of Charlie Parker.  Monk was a member of the adventurous musicians who liked to gather at Minton's in Harlem and who contributed to the birth of bebop.

Monk's distinctive, if untutored, piano stylings made him one of the most influencial members of this handful of pioneers.

Until he set out on his own, as soloist, or as the leader of small jazz groups, Monk played in the bands of Lucky Millinder and Coleman Hawkins.

Widespread recognition came to Monk ca. the mid 1950s, when he led his quartet and made several recordings - "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "I Should Care," - and jazz concert appearances in the United States and abroad, from Europe to Japan. Edward Jablonski - The Encyclopedia of American Music
 

1900s  / 1910s  / 1920s  / 1930s / 1940s
1950s / 1960s  / 1970s  / 1980s  / 1990s

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MY MUSICAL LIFE
By Carl P. McConnell

Mabel McConnell talks about the Carter Family, Doc & Carl,
The Original Virginia Boys and the early days of radio.

Fowl Ball: An impressive flock of local and international showbirds gathered recently for an impromptu musical performance at the James D. Martin Wildlife Park in Gadsden, AL. You are cordially invited to watch.