Born: 1917
Along with saxophonist Charlie Parker and pianist Bud Powell, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie was one of the founding fathers of the 1940s bebop movement.
Initially inspired by the swing era trumpeter Roy Eldridge, Gillespie developed a new style of playing that was chromatically complex and utilised the trumpet’s high register.
Remembered by many music fans for his iconic bent trumpet and inflated cheeks, he also pushed the envelope in fusing bebop with Cuban music to create Afro-Cuban jazz, as well as leading an influential big band.
“His rhythmic sophistication was unequalled. He was a master of harmony—and fascinated with studying it.” – Wynton Marsalis