Born on August 29, 1920 in Kansas City, Kansas to Charles and Addie Parker. He was given the nicknames "Bird" and "Yardbird". Since a chicken is a "yard bird" and Parker was quite fond of chicken, Parker was given the nickname Charlie "Yardbird" Parker. He was also nicknamed
"Bird" for his tendency to "live free as a bird".

Charlie Parker was an amazing saxophonist who gained wide recognition for his solos and innovative improvisations. He was, without a doubt, one of the most influential and talented musicians in jazz history. He could play remarkably fast lines, if slowed down to half speed, would reveal that every note made sense. He could play amazingly fast and complex solos or sweet, slow ballads. Charlie Parker, who was a legendary figure during his lifetime, has if anything grown in stature since his death. Virtually all his studio recordings are available on CD along with a countless number of his radio broadcasts and club appearances. One of a handful of musicians who can be said to have permanently changed jazz, Charlie Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time. Basie band.

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