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ESSENTIALS
LOUIS ARMSTRONG
Undoubtedly, the most well-known jazz artist is Louis Armstrong. One dominant figure in American History that managed to have an incredible influence on jazz music. Louis Armstrong was born in 4 of August 1901 and lived until 6 of July 1971. With his virtuosic abilities on the trumpet, he contributed to the recognition of trumpet all over the world. Moreover, he was one the first scat singers, one talent that was recognized at a high level through his career. It is worth noting that artists as Frank Sinatra and Bling Crosby were influenced by Louis Armstrong. His bigger success was the song ´´What a wonderful world, which was published in 1967.
Popular songs: 'What a Wonderful World', 'Hello Dolly', 'When the Saints Go Marchin' In'
duke ellington
Duke Ellington was born on United States in 29 of April 1889 and had a great career and recognition until his last breath in 24 of May 1974. He was pianist and a big-band leader. He is well-known for his pioneering on jazz and had an important contribution to the progress of gospel, blues and classic music. Also, the American pianist, grace to his charisma and his inventive use of orchestra, made the jazz an exceptional art form. He received a lot of awards during his career. More specifically, he received 13 Grammy awards a Pulitzer prize, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, a NAACP Spingarn Medal and Commemorative U.S. quarter to name a few.
Popular songs: 'Take the A Train', 'In a Sentimental Mood', 'It Don't Mean a Thing'
charlie parker
His nickname was ´´bird´´. Charlie Parker received, justifiably, a lot of awards, such as the award Grammy in 1984 in the category ´´career artistic´´. Although he lived only for 35 years (1920-1955) influenced a lot of artists because of his outstanding abilities. He was a pioneering jazz alto saxophone-player, bebop musician and composer. He was distinguished for his innovation on the songs, as he was using one combination of chord progressions and revolutionary harmonic form. Grace to Charlie Parker, the jazz artists are thought to be as intellectual artists and no as simple entertainers. ´´Billie´s Bounce´´ which was created in 1945 by Charlie Parker is one of his most famous songs. In fact, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Popular songs: 'They Can't Take That Away From Me', 'Out of Nowhere', 'Lullaby of Birdland'
miles davis
The fans of jazz music, certainly, know Miles Davis. Not only he is one central figure of jazz music, but also he gave one more modern stigma. Miles Davis lived in the 20th century, managing to spearhead the emergence of be-bop, hard bop, and cool jazz, free jazz, fusion, funk and techno music. He was one of the innovators of jazz musicians, as he believed on many young people. Artists such as John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, J.J. Johnson, Cannonball Adderley and Keith Jarrett owe their success to Miles Davis. Songs as ´´ so what´´, ´´Blue in Green´´ made him famous all over the world. Generally, the American composer reinvented many times his music style and was in various lineups of his own band.
Popular songs: 'So What', 'Blue in Green', 'Freddie Freeloader'
CHARLES MINGUS
Charles Mingus, one name really widespread in the magic world of jazz. Mingus was called “heir apparent to Duke Ellington” because of his fantastic writing for medium-sized ensembles. He had various characteristics, as he was a great composer, band leader and pianist. He is famous for his unique style on stage and his important contribution in the bebop, bass and jazz music. In most of his songs, embraced a lot of different elements of music, such as gospel, hard bop, and free jazz and classic music. However, Charles Mingus was suffered from clinical depression, but refused to compromise his musical integrity. Also, Mingus tried a lot and made campaigns against the racism.
Popular songs: 'Moanin', 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat', 'Haitian Fight Song'
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