Charlie Parker was a legendary American jazz saxophonist and composer. Early on he developed a reputation for his innovative and virtuosic playing style, which revolutionized jazz music and had a lasting impact on the genre. Parker's musical career took off in the 1940s, when he played in the iconic jazz clubs of New York City, including Minton's Playhouse and the Three Deuces. He became a key figure in the development of bebop, a new style of jazz characterized by it's fast tempos, complex harmonies, and intricate melodies. Parker's improvisational style, marked by rapid-fire melodic runs and unpredictable harmonies, set a new standard for jazz musicianship and inspired countless musicians who followed in his footsteps. Listen here to the "Bird" performing a rare selection of jazz and bebop hits, aired originally for radio broadcast during the 40s.