“G” is for Gillespie, John Birks (1917-1993). Musician. A native of Cheraw, Dizzy Gillespie became proficient on trumpet and trombone by the time he was fifteen. In 1937 he moved to Philadelphia. For several years Gillespie played with sundry groups before joining the popular Cab Calloway Orchestra. In his off hours Gillespie participated in jam sessions with saxophonist Charlie Parker and pianist Thelonious Monk. Their informal experimentation with advanced harmonies and complex rhythms led to the first modern jazz style—called bebop (or bop), which remains the foundation of most jazz performance. A devotee of big bands, Gillespie formed several during his career only to return to the small band format when they failed financially. He performed prolifically throughout the world. In 1985 John Birks Gillespie was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame.
“G” is for Gillespie, John Birks (1917-1993).
