TRANSCRIPT:
Hi, I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Composer and pianist Thelonious Monk’s eccentric style and innovative harmonies redefined jazz. His numerous contributions to the jazz repertoire include classics such as "'Round Midnight," "Blue Monk," "Straight, No Chaser," "Ruby, My Dear," "In Walked Bud," and "Well, You Needn't." He is the second-most recorded jazz composer, following Duke Ellington.
Monk's enigmatic personality and unique approach to the piano made him a singular figure in jazz history. His distinct look often included suits, hats, and sunglasses. He also had an idiosyncratic habit during performances: while other musicians continued playing, Monk would occasionally stop, stand up, and dance for a few moments before returning to the piano.
Monk is one of only five jazz musicians to have been featured on the cover of Time magazine.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible in part by Layman Poupard Publishers, producers of the Literary Criticism Series and the Dictionary of Literary Biography.