Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus was an American jazz upright bassist, composer, bandleader, pianist, and author. He is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history, with a career spanning three decades and collaborations with other jazz greats.
Bassist
April 22, 1922
January 05, 1979
56
Charles Mingus, an American jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader, was renowned for his innovative style and ability to blend various musical genres, including gospel, blues, and classical music. Among his most notable works are the album “Mingus Ah Um” and the composition “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” Throughout his three-decade career, Mingus collaborated with jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Max Roach. He was inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame for his contributions to the genre. Mingus was also a civil rights activist and a supporter of young musicians. Despite being partially deaf, he employed a unique approach to composing and performing, solidifying his status as one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history.