WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29: CHARLIE PARKER'S 90TH

Profile America — Sunday, August 29th.  One of the most influential jazz musicians was born on this date 90 years ago in Kansas City — alto saxophonist Charlie Parker.  He gained the nickname "Yardbird" for his habit of sitting in the backyard of bars and taverns, later shortened to just "Bird." His career took him from jam sessions in Kansas City to New York, where he played with Dizzy Gillespie and others who were developing the jazz style known as "bop."  Parker was famous for his dazzling innovations and fingering technique.  Although he was widely recognized as a musical genius, a heroin addiction plagued his life, and he died at the age of 34.  Today, Parker's music is still revered among jazz fans.  Nearly 8 percent of U.S. adults attend live jazz performances each year.  Profile America is in its 14th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2010, p. 433

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1201

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.census.gov