32c Charlie Parker stamp

Charlie Parker Jr. was born in 1920. An alto saxophonist and composer, Charles Parker, Jr., variously called "Charlie," "Bird," and "Yardbird," was an undisputed genius who, with colleagues trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianist Thelonious Monk, and drummer Kenny Clarke, led jazz in new directions with the creation of bebop. At 15, with 2 years' professional experience, he quit school for a fulltime career as a musician. He played with leaders Jay McShann, Earl Hines, Billy Eckstine, and Dizzy Gillespie.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (August 17, 1995)

Scott Catalogue USA: 2987
mint

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Museum ID: 1996.2066.236