Leo Parker | |
|---|---|
_(LOC)_(5354784684).jpg) | |
| Background information | |
| Born | April 18, 1925 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 1962 (aged 36) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Instruments | Baritone saxophone |
Leo Parker (April 18, 1925 – February 11, 1962)[1] was an Americanjazz musician, who primarily played baritone saxophone. Parker was the earliest baritone saxophonist to playbebop.[2]
Born inWashington, D.C.,[1] Parker studied alto saxophone inhigh school and played this instrument on a recording withColeman Hawkins in 1944.[1]
Parker switched tobaritone saxophone in 1944 when he joinedBilly Eckstine'sbebop band, playing there until 1946.[1] In 1945, he was a member of the "Unholy Four" of saxophonists, withDexter Gordon,Sonny Stitt andGene Ammons.[1] He played on52nd Street in New York withDizzy Gillespie in 1946 andIllinois Jacquet in 1947-48,[1] and later recorded withFats Navarro,J.J. Johnson,Teddy Edwards,Wardell Gray andCharles Thompson.[1] He and Thompson had a hit with theirApollo Records release, "Mad Lad".[1]
In the 1950s, Parker had problems withdrug abuse, which interfered with his recording career.[1] He made two comeback records forBlue Note in 1961, but the following year he died of aheart attack inNew York City.[1] He was 36.
As leader or co-leader
WithColeman Hawkins
WithIllinois Jacquet
WithDexter Gordon
