Dizzy Gillespie

Photo credit soulbounce.com

Photo credit jazzpages.com

Dizzy Gillespie (John Burks Gillespie) was born on October 21, 1917, in Cheraw, South Carolina. He had taught himself how go play the trumpet and trombone by the age of twelve. He was a brilliant musician, and was quickly able to join bands, including Cab Calloway's band and Ella Fitzgerald's band. He was one of the first in the bebop style of jazz. He was also involved in the Afro-Cuban music movement. He was especially known for the way his cheeks puffed out when he played the trumpet. On January 3, 1993, he died of pancreatic cancer. He was an amazing musician with great style and swinging rhythm. A famous song by him is Salt Peanuts.