One of the most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer.
Rarely does a musician emerge who dramatically changes the way we listen to music, but such a man is Ornette Coleman. Ever since the late 1950's when he burst on the New York scene, his artistic vision has helped to expand contemporary musical boundr
Bennie Green was born in Chicago on April 16th, 1923. Music came naturally to his family: his brother Elbert played saxophone with Roy Eldridge in the late 1930s. Green picked up the trombone while attending DuSable High School with Gene Ammons and Doroth
Coleman Hawkins was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. As a child he showed exceptional music skills, and began playing the tenor saxaphone professionally at a young age. His nicknames were 'bean' and 'Hawk'.
Mabley, Jackie ("Moms") (b. March 19, 1897, Brevard, N.C.; d. May 23, 1975, White Plains, N.Y.), African American vaudeville performer and comedian, the first African American woman to establish herself as a single act in standup comedy.
Born in Johannesburg in 1932, Miriam began her career as the vocalist for The Manhattan Brothers. Her appearance in the late 50's in the documentary "Come Back Africa" led to invitations for her to visit Europe and America, where she came t
