Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, NC

Death

:

February 17, 1982 in Englewood, NJ

 

Thelonious Monk was a renowned American jazz pianist and composer, born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was the second of four children born to Thelonious and Barbara Monk. His family moved to New York City when he was four years old, and he grew up in the San Juan Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. Monk's mother was a church pianist, and his father worked as a janitor and a minister. Monk began playing the piano at the age of six, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local clubs. He attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City, where he was a gifted student, but he dropped out at the age of 17 to pursue a career in music. In the early 1940s, Monk began playing with jazz legends such as Coleman Hawkins and Dizzy Gillespie. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented pianist and composer, known for his unique style and innovative approach to jazz. Monk's music was characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies, angular melodies, and complex rhythms. In 1947, Monk formed his own band, which included saxophonist Charlie Rouse, drummer Art Blakey, and bassist John Simmons. The group played regularly at the famous Minton's Playhouse in Harlem, where they developed a loyal following. Monk's compositions, such as "Round Midnight" and "Straight, No Chaser," became jazz standards and were covered by countless musicians over the years. Monk's career was not without its challenges, however. He struggled with mental illness throughout his life, and his behavior could be erratic and unpredictable. He was known for his idiosyncratic style of dress, which included hats and sunglasses, and he often refused to speak to audiences or acknowledge applause. Despite these challenges, Monk continued to compose and perform throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He recorded numerous albums for the Blue Note and Riverside labels, including "Brilliant Corners" and "Monk's Dream." He also collaborated with other jazz greats, such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. In 1964, Monk was featured on the cover of Time magazine, which helped to bring his music to a wider audience. He continued to perform and record throughout the 1970s, but his health began to decline. He suffered a stroke in 1973, which left him unable to perform for several years. Monk received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. He died on February 17, 1982, at the age of 64, from a stroke and complications of pneumonia. Thelonious Monk's contributions to jazz music are immeasurable. His unique style and innovative approach to composition continue to influence musicians today. His compositions are considered some of the most important in the history of jazz, and his legacy lives on through the countless musicians who have been inspired by his work.

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