32c Thelonious Monk stamp

Thelonious Sphere Monk Jr. was born in 1917. He was a brilliantly unorthodox pianist and composer who was venerated and studied by musicians years before he was accepted by the public. His audacious musical ideas, dissonant chords, and haunting melodies were unprecedented. He wrote his most famous composition, "Round Midnight," while with trumpeter Cootie Williams' band.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (August 17, 1995)

Scott Catalogue USA: 2990
mint

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Museum ID: 1996.2066.242