Dizzy Gillespie
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Twentieth Century
- Categories: Music, Popular Culture
- Subcategories: African Americans, Blacks, Entertainment, Entertainers, Composers, Songwriters, Musicians, Singers
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950, American History 1951-present, African American History
Article abstract: As a renowned African American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, Gillespie founded the jazz movement known as “bebop” by combining Latin rhythms with jazz music.
Early Life
Dizzy Gillespie, born John Birks Gillespie, was the youngest of nine children. His mother and father were James and Lottie Gillespie. As a strict disciplinarian, James gave his children beatings with a leather strap every Sunday to account for all the mischief they were presumed to have gotten into during the week. James worked as a bricklayer during the...
[The entire page is 2113 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
