Show:
Early Jazz
Swing
Bebop
Cool
Modern
100
A singer and trumpet player, probably the most important musician of the past 100 years.
Who is Louis Armstrong?
100
A trombone player who was one of the biggest moneymakers of the Swing Era, he was always "In the Mood."
Who is Glenn Miller?
100
This alto saxophonist known as "Bird" burned out at age 34.
Who is Charlie Parker?
100
A trumpeter who was a master or creator of virtually every major style of jazz after 1945, until his death in 1991.
Who is Miles Davis?
100
A tenor and soprano saxophonist who played "A Love Supreme."
Who is John Coltrane?
200
This clarinetist from New Orleans played with most of the great early jazz musicians, including a drummer named "Baby."
Who is Jimmie Noone?
200
He was the clarinetist known as the "King of Swing."
Who is Benny Goodman?
200
A trumpeter and bandleader whose antics could make your head spin.
Who is Dizzy Gillespie?
200
A band leader and arranger who worked closely with Miles Davis on the "Birth of the Cool."
Who is Gil Evans?
200
A tenor saxophonist who took his music "Way Out West."
Who is Sonny Rollins?
300
A cornetist and bandleader who gave Louis Armstrong his first big job in Chicago.
Who is King Oliver?
300
This elegant pianist was the most prolific composer in jazz history.
Who is Duke Ellington?
300
An eccentric pianist who used to get up and dance around in the middle of a song.
Who is Thelonious Monk?
300
An alto saxophonist who made his name with piano player Dave Brubeck on his song "Take Five."
Who is Paul Desmond?
300
A bass player and composer with a reputation for losing his temper.
Who is Charles Mingus?
400
This cornetist provided a lighter, more singing alternative to the aggressive style of Armstrong.
Who is Bix Beiderbecke?
400
The father of the tenor saxophone.
Who is Coleman Hawkins?
400
A drumming great who later led his own quintet with trumpeter Clifford Brown.
Who is Max Roach?
400
This baritone saxophonist led a piano-less quartet with Chet Baker, and played duets with Paul Desmond.
Who is Gerry Mulligan?
400
A bombastic drummer who led the "Jazz Messengers" for decades.
Who is Art Blakey?
500
He developed a style of piano playing called "trumpet piano."
Who is Earl Hines?
500
A piano player whose Kansas City band was known for the "One O'Clock Jump."
Who is Count Basie?
500
A pianist known for his speed and technique, he lost some abilities after being beaten by police, and suffering from forcible electro-shock therapy.
Who is Bud Powell?
500
This trumpeter and singer died tragically in Europe in the 1980s.
Who is Chet Baker?
500
One of the creators of "Free Jazz," this alto saxophonist is still active today.
Who is Ornette Coleman?