Bebop is one of the most artistic and unique styles of jazz music, and was gradually introduced during the 1940's. Unlike more typical jazz music, Bebop focused more on the freedom of creativity rather than rhythmic aspects. Bebop gave soloists more room for "innovative improvisation" according to the Bop Era. (Glass) Bebop became a prominent style in jazz very quickly, and through the study of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillepsie, Thelonious Monk and other musicians one can see just how prominent and influential. Bebop originated during the 1900's in New Orleans, Louisiana. The unique style of Bebop comes from the passionate mind and inspired musician, and this style was used by some of the greatest minds at the time. The preferred size of a …show more content…
Many industries at the time made it very difficult for African American Musicians to succeed. On average African American musicians would make less money and there were also many racial regulations in place that did not allow them to succeed. In Dizzy Gillespie's 'The Cult of Bebop', he states that "there are two theories; the theory of evolution and the theory of Revolution. According to the theory of evolution Bebop maintained certain elements of swing music and it also reemphasized the elements of early jazz, blues music. On the other hand, the theory of revolution states how disconnected Bebop seemed to be. Seeing that it brought in a new form of style, it 'rejected the status quo.'" (The Cult of Bebop) Bebop was a mix of both sides, reducing the complexity of the polyphony and increasing the importance of style. Bebop is a very driving style of music. What makes Bebop so different from other jazz forms, just as swing, are the unrecognizable tunes and the drive of the drums. Bebop is a type music that one cannot repeat the melody after listening. The mixture of the drums and the symbols makes a unique sound that you will not hear again. With the fast melodies and unique styles it is no wonder that Bebop was so popular at the …show more content…
Charlie Parker was a alto saxophonist and was one of the greatest jazz musicians of his time. His lifestyle correlates perfectly with a bebop song, fast paced, driven, and unique. Parker produced a sound that was hard and dry which perfectly matched the "nervous intensity of his melodic lines." (Kamien 484) Parker's music originated from the Kansas City Blues. Almost every song that he played had his own twist on it, with definitely spiced things up and always had the crowd surprised. Charlie Parker’s style was raw, which has a lot to do with the fact that he was self taught. This is what made Parker so good at improvisation and what made his music so different from anyone else. John Birks, also known as Dizzy Gillespie, was another prominent and very well known artist and composer. Gillespie was an amazing trumpet player with an extensive background in jazz music. According to Wynton Marsalis, "Dizzy played with great speed, accuracy, and hit exceptionally high notes." (Oxford University Press) During one of his many tours he had the opportunity to "meet Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Kenny Clarke in Kansas City." (Oxford University Press) Gillespie lived a full and plenty life, playing jazz throughout his lifetime and becoming one of the largest jazz icons of his