Much of America's blues and jazz influences are deeply rooted in the rhythms and melodies of the rural South. One artist who has greatly contributed to these genres' continued popularity is South Carolina's own John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie. Together with Charlie Parker, he was a major figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz. He taught and influenced many other musicians, including trumpeters Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Morgan, Jon Faddis and Chuck Mangione. Noted as one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time, Gillespie's complex style and compositions were difficult to copy.
Resources
Dizzy Gillespie: Meeting Dizzy Gillespie | Carolina Stories
Friends and fellow musicians reminisce about the time they first met Dizzy Gillespie.
View AssetDizzy Gillespie: Style Of Playing | Carolina Stories
Dick Goodwin discusses Dizzy Gillespie’s style of playing, and covers one of Dizzy’s most famous songs: “Con Alma.”
View AssetDizzy Gillespie: An Influential Teacher | Carolina Stories
Dizzy Gillespie was not only a great entertainer, but was also known for being an influential music teacher. He earned his status as a famous musician not through instant gratification, but through...
View AssetDizzy Gillespie: His Legacy | Carolina Stories
The group discusses Dizzy Gillespie’s legacy, and what he meant to them, as a teacher, musician, and human being. Here, the song “Birks Works” is played by Charlton Singleton.
View AssetDizzy Gillespie: Influence In Music | Carolina Stories
Dick Goodwin returns to talk with the group about Dizzy Gillespie’s personality, and how Dizzy was able to influence an entire generation’s interest in this style of music, with his motivation, and...
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