All About Dizzy
By: Cameron Desautels, Pharrah Williams
Childhood
Dizzy was born in Cheraw, South Carolina. He was born on October 21,1917. He was the ninth child, and he was the youngest. His family was poor and struggled to make ends meet. He lived in a poor town. His only source of water was a local well. His father died when he was ten, after that his family went into poverty.
Influences and Inspirations
Dizzy's father collected instruments, his father was in a band. Dizzy was fascinated by the way instruments felt and sounded. When Dizzy was struggling in school his third grade teacher, Mrs. Alice Wilson, introduced him to music and he started playing the trumpet.
Time Period
- His upbeat music was enjoyed during the wars in the 1930s and 40s
- Around 1968 he embraced the Baha'i faith
- He died on January 6, 1993
- He lived in a time of segregation
Their Music
- He plays the trumpet
- His music was very upbeat
- He played jazz music
- "Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Quintet," 1945
- "Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra," 1947
- "Dizzy Gillespie Sextet," 1951
- "Dizziest," 1955
- Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker were the co-founders of the most revolutionary movement, Bebop
Interesting Facts
- Dizzy Gillespie has a trumpet with a bent bell
- His dad was very strict
- At the age 19 Dizzy was hired into the Teddy Hill Orchestra
- Dizzy Gillespie's cheeks were very large
- His full name is John Birks Gillespie
- He liked to play pool and swim
- He was a talented photographer
- He was married for 52 years and had no children
Picture Citations
1.http://townmapsusa.com/images/maps/map_of_cheraw_sc.jpg
2.http://scottafbmusic.weebly.com/bridging-the-gap-artists.html