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John  Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie:

Famous African-American Jazz Trumpeter and composer and one of the founders of the style of BeBop.

At this point in his life, 1953, he is starting to show signs of wear and tear. Yet he is still known for his goatee, beret, horn rimmed glasses, sense of style and light-hearted humor (derisively by some Jazz players). His slight frame and quick moving, fast paced style of play, often jumping and whooping when the spirit moves him during a set probably led to his moniker, "Dizzy".

Gillespie is known to have a very active mind, in constant exploration and discussion of musical theory and quick to help those in need of instruction. In musical discussions and jamming with Parker, Gillespie found a kindred spirit. Though Dizzy would be a hard drinker for most of his life, his addiction never overtook him as with Parker, and he lived until the age of 75, succumbing to cancer in 1993.

These photos from the Library of Congress date between 1947 and 1954.

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