Let’s provide the context, just like host Adam Neely and guest Brian Krock do in this video: in 1960 Steve Lacy, a young, white soprano sax player, briefly joined Thelonious Monk’s band. Monk's compositions are some of the best in jazz. Andy Warhol Creates Album Covers for Jazz Legends Thelonious Monk, Count Basie & Kenny Burrell. There, he attempted to make his first two recordings more widely accessible, but this effort was poorly received by critics. Two years previous, Lacy had been the first jazz musician to release an album of … The album's title track made a splash with its innovative, technically demanding, and extremely complex sound, which had to be edited together from many separate takes. Thelonious Monk >Along with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie [1], Thelonious Monk >(1917-1982) was a vital member of the jazz revolution which took place in >the early 1940s. セロニアス・スフィア・モンク （Thelonious Sphere Monk [θəˈloʊniəs ˈmʌŋk] 、 1917年 10月10日 - 1982年 2月17日 ）は、 アメリカ の ジャズ ・ ピアニスト であり、 即興演奏 における独特のスタイルと、数多くの スタンダード・ナンバー の 作曲 で知られる。. This Thelonious Monk be bop thumper has two distinct lives. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. ", John Coltrane was an acclaimed American saxophonist, bandleader and composer, becoming an iconic figure of jazz in the 20th century with albums like 'Giant Steps,' 'My Favorite Things' and 'A Love Supreme.'. Corrections? Mom thing, big-time. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. Born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Thelonious was only four when his mother and his two siblings, Marion and Thomas, moved to New York City. "People don't think of Thelonious as Mr. Thelonious Monk was born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Thelonious and Barbara Monk. As Monk saw it, "The piano ain't got no wrong notes!" Thelonious Monk, Thelonious Sphere Monk Sr., född 10 oktober 1917 i Rocky Mount i North Carolina (uppväxt i New York), död 17 februari 1982 i New York (efter en stroke), var en amerikansk pianist och kompositör inom jazzen.. Monk debuterade på skiva tillsammans med Coleman Hawkins 1944.Han gjorde sitt sista framträdande som musiker i juli 1976 Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Recorded at Palo Alto High School on October 27, 1968. Monk was born 10th October 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the son of Thelonious and Barbara Monk, two years after his sister Marian. Monk began studying classical piano when he was eleven but had already shown some aptitude for the instrument. The album was reissued on CD in 1996, including restored versions of previously abridged performances and … Recognized as one of the most inventive pianists of any musical genre, Monk achieved a startlingly original sound that even his most devoted follower We strive for accuracy and fairness. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Because his rhythmic solos reflected an … Digging Up Thelonious Monk's Southern Roots October 10, 2007 • The legendary jazz pianist and composer is best known for his time in New York City, where he … Consequently, Monk has become perhaps the most talked about and least understood artist in the history of jazz. More than 50 years later, it's been rediscovered and remastered. Monk received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual "Recording of the Year" award and Downbeats' 63rd annual Album of the Year Reader's Choice Award for Monk on Monk. 1 Content 2 In Walked Monk[Edit] 3 Minton's Playhouse[Edit] 4 Genius of Modern Music[Edit] 5 Of Prestige to Riverside[Edit] 6 CBS years[Edit] 7 Discography[Edit] [hide]*1In Walked Monk Minton's Playhouse2 Genius of Modern Music3 4of … Thelonious Monk 's position in cultural history grows in stature with each passing year and every new generation. It was recorded in New York City on June 26, 1957, and released in November the same year. Thelonious Monk in 1961 In 1951, Thelonious Monk was convicted of narcotics possession after refusing to betray his friend, pianist Bud Powell, to the police; a police search of the car belonging to Powell's female companion had discovered his glassine envelope of heroin laying beside Monk's feet. Monk probably said it best when he insisted that a "genius is one who is most like himself.". The recording session dates reflect the CD editions of these albums. Mom," his son points out, recalling his father changing diapers, "but I clearly saw him do the Mr. Digging Up Thelonious Monk's Southern Roots October 10, 2007 • The legendary jazz pianist and composer is best known for his time in New York City, where he … Monk's first known recording was made in 1944, when he worked as a member of Coleman Hawkins's quartet. Epistrophy (1942) and the immortal Round about Midnight (1944) were composed for the orchestra of Cootie Williams, I … He helped develop the bebop sound with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Kenny Clarke. The period between 1945 and 1954 was difficult for Monk. In 1964, Monk became one of four jazz musicians ever to grace the cover of Time Magazine. Although it was typical to play for a big band at this time, Monk preferred a more intimate work dynamic that would allow him to experiment with his sound. "You know, watching my sister practice her lessons over her shoulder." A brother, Thomas, was born a couple of years later. Updates? Though widespread recognition was still years away, Monk had already earned the regard of his peers as well as several important critics. Recognized as one of the most inventive pianists of any musical genre, Monk achieved a startlingly original sound that even his most devoted follower This pathbreaking study combines cultural theory, biography, … Thelonious Monk 1968. In 1952, Monk signed a contract with Prestige Records, which yielded pieces like "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Bags' Groove." Prior LP versions contained the six Blue Note recording sessions in different, non-chronological configurations. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Thelonious Monk is undoubtedly one of the most important – and controversial – figures in the history of jazz. His most famous songs include, 'Round Midnight,' 'Brilliant Corners,' 'Pannonica' and 'Straight, No Chaser.' The image the public has been left with is that of a demanding, eccentric recluse with an inborn gift for piano. As the pianist in the band at Minton’s Playhouse, a nightclub in New York City, in the early 1940s, Monk had great influence on the other musicians who later developed the … Monk created musical drama that felt like watching a house of cards teeter back and forth but never fall. They later had two children, whom they named after Monk's parents, Thelonious and Barbara. ℗© 2020 Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment, Inc. Made in the EU Originally planned for release on July 31, 2020. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The recordings, which were made at Smith’s Manhattan loft from 1957 to 1965, serve as a remarkable chronicle of the New York jazz scene in that era. Thelonious Monk is one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time and one of first creators of modern jazz. His recording debut came in 1944 in Coleman Hawkins ' band. JazzBiographies.com: An online guide to jazz biographies, discographies, reviews, and articles The real person was more complex. Monk's unique piano style and his talent as a composer made >him a leader in the development of modern jazz. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Duke Ellington - Role in Harlem Renaissance. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thelonious-Monk, African American Registry - Biography of Thelonious Monk, All About Jazz - Biography of Thelonious Monk, BlackPast.org - Biography of Thelonious Monk, AllMusic.com - Biography of Thelonious Monk, Thelonious Monk - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Harris lived with Monk at Konigswater’s house in Weehawken, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, in the 1970s. While his music no longer has the power to shock that it once possessed, it still comes across as unique, profound and thrilling. ", Louis Armstrong was a jazz trumpeter, bandleader and singer known for songs like "What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly,” ”Star Dust” and "La Vie En Rose.”. In 1957, the Thelonious Monk Quartet, which included John Coltrane, began performing regularly at the Five Spot in New York. ", Whatever Monk was to the media, it's clear what his legacy will be to jazz music: that of a true originator. It was recorded in New York City on June 26, 1957, and released in November the same year. Thelonious Monk is one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time and one of first creators of modern jazz and bebop. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Thelonious Monk is undoubtedly one of the most important – and controversial – figures in the history of jazz. Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music, integrating R&B, gospel, pop and country to create hits like "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack" and "Georgia on My Mind. Thelonious Monk Piano. In 1922, the family moved to Manhattan, living at 243 West 63rd Street. Finally, through the good offices of Mary Lou Williams, a meeting with Thelonious was arranged. Sam Stephenson, the lead researcher on the project, published a portion of the photographs, as well as transcribed conversations from the tapes, as The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957–1965 (2009). Meeting Is Arranged. Xanax (Alprazolam) is in a group of buy xanax online drugs called benzodiazepines. Born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the son of Thelonious and Barbara Monk, young Thelonious Monk grew up in New York City after the family moved there in 1922 and began playing the piano without formal training. Thelonious Monk (1917-1982) was one of jazz's greatest and most enigmatic figures. Underground is an album by Thelonious Monk.It features Monk on piano, Larry Gales on bass, Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, and Ben Riley on drums. His spares and angular music had a levity and playfulness to it. Not content to pander ineffectively to a nonexistent audience, Monk turned a page with his 1956 album, Brilliant Corners, which is usually considered to be his first true masterpiece. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Thelonious Monk (1917) was not only the most cerebral pianist to enter the history of jazz music but also the greatest composer of the bebop era. Enjoying huge success, they went on to tour the United States and even make some appearances in Europe. Jazz pianist Thelonious Monk became one of the 20th Century’s most influential and innovative jazz musicians. In 1941, Monk began working at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem, where he joined the house band and helped develop the school of jazz known as bebop. Thelonious appears as a minor antagonist. Monk didn't record under his own name, however, until 1947, when he played as the leader of a sextet session for Blue Note. In 1968, a teenager convinced Thelonious Monk to play a concert at his high school to ease racial tensions in his community. In 1982 Harris founded Manhattan’s Jazz Cultural Theatre, a performance venue featuring famed jazz musicians as well as jam sessions and music classes…. His playing was percussive and sparse, often being described as “angular,” and he used complex and dissonant harmonies and unusual intervals and rhythms. Thelonious Monk (1917-1982) was one of jazz's greatest and most enigmatic figures. In 1922, the family moved to 243 West 63rd Street, in Manhattan. • Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy performed as Monk's accompanist in 1960. With the release of two more Riverside masterworks, Thelonious Himself and Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane, Monk finally received the acclaim he deserved. Charlie Parker was a legendary Grammy Award–winning jazz saxophonist who, with Dizzy Gillespie, invented the musical style called bop or bebop. A brother, Thomas, was born a couple of years later. Monk was hired by Lucky Millinder's orchestra in 1942 and he also worked with the Coleman Hawkins Sextet between 1943 and 1945, making his recording debut on the 78 "Flyin' Hawk." Post bop 10/10/17-2/17/82. “Why, Thelonious Monk.” But by that time the quarry had disappeared. As a composer, pianist, and bandleader, Monk both extended the piano tradition known as Harlem stride and was at the center of modern jazz's creation during the 1940s, setting the stage for the experimentalism of the 1960s and '70s. His sister Marian was two years older and his younger brother, Thomas, was born a couple of years later. Thelonious Monk, in full Thelonious Sphere Monk, (born Oct. 10, 1917, Rocky Mount, N.C., U.S.—died Feb. 17, 1982, Englewood, N.J.), American pianist and composer who was among the first creators of modern jazz. Thelonious Monk was born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Monk started playing the piano at the age of six. Ella Fitzgerald, known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an immensely popular American jazz and song vocalist who interpreted much of the Great American Songbook. English: Thelonious Sphere Monk (October 10, 1917–February 17, 1982) was a jazz pianist known for his unique improvisational style and many contributions to the standard jazz repertoire. Thelonious is the henchman of Lord Farquaad and possibly the executioner, as he's the one who tortures Gingy by breaking his legs and dunking him in the milk, as well as threatening the Magic Mirror by suggesting Lord Farquaad to break it. https://www.biography.com/musician/thelonious-monk. In the Duloc dungeons he is ordered to torture Gingy by dunking him into a glass of milk to try to make him give up the location of fairytale creatures. Monk was born 10th October 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the son of Thelonious and Barbara Monk, two years after his sister Marian. Alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, he explored the fast, jarring, and often improvised styles that would later become synonymous with modern jazz. Thelonious Monk is the critically acclaimed, gripping saga of an artist’s struggle to “make it” without compromising his musical vision. Born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the son of Thelonious and Barbara Monk, young Thelonious Monk grew up in New York City after the family moved there in 1922 and began playing the piano without formal training. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Performers such as Monk, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, and a host of other luminaries can be heard rehearsing, talking, or engaging in free-flowing jam sessions in the 4,000 hours of material. Straight, No Chaser is an album by jazz musician Thelonious Monk, released in 1967. In 1922, the family moved to 243 West 63rd Street, in Manhattan. He was also one of the most prolific composers in the history of jazz. He is a torturer and probably executioner under Lord Farquaad's service. The latter, which he recorded with Miles Davis in 1954, is sometimes said to be his finest piano solo ever. For much of his career, Monk played with small groups at Milton's Playhouse. As a composer, pianist, and bandleader, Monk both extended the piano tradition known as Harlem stride and was at the center of modern jazz's creation during the 1940s, setting the stage for the experimentalism of the 1960s and '70s. As a pioneering performer who managed to slip almost invisibly through the jazz community during the first half of his career, Monk is exactly the type of figure who invites rumor and exaggeration. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. A few days before the planned date, this release was withdrawn due to a legal dispute between Monk's estate and his previous label. Monk's Music is a jazz album by the Thelonious Monk Septet, which for this recording included Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane. The recordings prompted new critical interest in Monk, and the tapes and accompanying photographs were archived by the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. In 1997 more than 1,700 reel-to-reel tapes were uncovered in a collection of photographer W. Eugene Smith’s work at the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona. Thelonious Monk (1917) was not only the most cerebral pianist to enter the history of jazz music but also the greatest composer of the bebop era. He toured with the so-called "Texas Warhorse," an evangelist and faith healer, before assembling a quartet of his own. Jazz pianist Thelonious Monk became one of the 20th Century’s most influential and innovative jazz musicians. By 1962, Monk was so popular that he was given a contract with Columbia Records, a decidedly more mainstream label than Riverside. Thelonious Sphere Monk October 10, 1917-February 17, 1982 With the arrival Thelonious Sphere Monk, modern music—let alone modern culture--simply hasn’t been the same. When he was just four, his parents, Barbara and Thelonious, Sr., moved to New York City, where he would spend The title refers in name to Monk’s musical soul mate Bud Powell and has a performance history spanning Monk’s entire career. Monk was a member of Dizzy Gillespie's big band in 1946, and started leading his own groups in 1947. In order to take some pictures in the right setting, we went up to Minton’s Playhouse at 208 W. 118th St. Monk's Music is a jazz album by the Thelonious Monk Septet, which for this recording included Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane. This is the last Monk album featuring the Thelonious Monk … The years that followed included several overseas tours, but by the early 1970s, Monk was ready to retire from the limelight; save for his 1971 recordings at Black Lion Records and the occasional appearance at the Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall, Monk spent his final years living quietly in seclusion. When he was just four, his parents, Barbara and Thelonious, Sr., moved to New York City, where he would spend the next five decades of his life. Thelonious Monk Bombs in Paris in 1954, Then Makes a Triumphant Return in 1969. Thelonious Sphere Monk October 10, 1917-February 17, 1982 With the arrival Thelonious Sphere Monk, modern music—let alone modern culture--simply hasn’t been the same. Lacy recorded many albums entirely focused on Monk's compositions. These are generally regarded as the first works characteristic of Monk's unique jazz style, which embraced percussive playing, unusual repetitions and dissonant sounds. His best-known compositions include "Oop Bob Sh' Bam," "Salt Peanuts" and "A Night in Tunisia. At age seventeen, Monk dropped out of the esteemed Stuyvesant High School to pursue his music career. Monk's tunes became a permanent part of his repertoire in concert and on albums. Lionised by jazz fans and a continuing influence on musicians, Monk in 2020 is also held to be a hero by the hip hop movement. He was inspired by the Harlem stride pianists (James P. Johnson was a neighbor) and vestiges of that idiom can be heard in his later unaccompanied solos. Because Monk's work continued to be largely overlooked by jazz fans at large, Prestige sold his contract to Riverside Records in 1955. As a composer, pianist, and bandleader, Monk both extended the piano tradition known as Harlem stride and was at the center of modern jazz's creation during the 1940s, setting the stage for the experimentalism of the 1960s and '70s. Many of his compositions have become jazz standards, including "Well, You Needn't," "Blue Monk" and "Round Midnight." Many of his compositions, which were generally written in the 12-bar blues or the 32-bar ballad form, became jazz standards. By the time Monk was thirteen, he had won the weekly amateur competition at the Apollo Theater so many times that the management banned him from re-entering the contest. It is a story that, like its subject, reflects the tidal ebbs and flows of American history in the twentieth century. For much of his career, Monk performed and recorded with small groups. [1] Monk then launched into the music that had captivated him and his generation, R&B. After battling serious illness for several years, he passed away from a stroke in 1982. Monk made a total of five Blue Note recordings between 1947 and 1952, including "Criss Cross" and "Evidence." JazzBiographies.com: An online guide to jazz biographies, discographies, reviews, and articles He has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, and featured on a United States postage stamp. "I learned how to read before I took lessons," he later recalled. Thelonious Monk was born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Thelonious Monk, in full Thelonious Sphere Monk, (born Oct. 10, 1917, Rocky Mount, N.C., U.S.—died Feb. 17, 1982, Englewood, N.J.), American pianist and composer who was among the first creators of modern jazz. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of a demanding, recluse! 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