Pettiford is frequently cited as one of the founding figures of bebop, and one of the most influential bassists. Pettiford is also credited as a pioneer of the use of cello in modern jazz.

“I never swung so much or, rather, lived so much in my life.” –Charles Mingus on playing with Elvin Jones

BIRD LIVES — Celebrating the life and music of Charlie Parker (August 29, 1920–March 12, 1955), Black American alto saxophonist, composer, and landmark musical figure. In his book, Beneath The Underdog, Charles Mingus recalled his first time hearing Charlie Parker in the mid-1940s at Billy Berg’s club in Los Angeles.

Called “The Lady with the Million Dollar Ears” by Charlie Parker, Jordan was a bebop vocalist who pioneered the voice-and-bass duo format, inspired by an early experience sitting in with Charles Mingus