We are so pleased to bring you this jazz classic from the ETV Tape Vault! Al Frazer, Dick Goodwin, Charlton Singleton, Mitch Butler, and Gene Dykes share anecdotes about how they met Dizzy, his early years and how he came to acquire the name “Dizzy”.
America's blues and jazz influences are deeply rooted in the rhythms and melodies of the rural South and South Carolinian John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie contributed much to the genre. Along with Charlie Parker, he was a major figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz. He taught and influenced many other musicians, including trumpeters Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Morgan, Jon Faddis and Chuck Mangione.
Noted as one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time, Gillespie's style and compositions were difficult to copy. Part jazz concert, and part discussion of his genius, the program explores Gillespie’s life and legacy through a group of South Carolina's finest jazz artists, all of whom have benefited from the influences of his music. You will not want to miss this insightful and entertaining ETV Classic!
Side Notes
- Dizzy Gillespie - Cheraw for Dizzy.
- Birks' Works - "Birks' Works" is an album by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie recorded in 1957 and released on the Verve label. also containing the tune by the same name. The original album featured 10 tracks and was reissued as "Birks Works: The Verve Big Band Sessions", a 2 CD compilation featuring unreleased tracks, alternate takes and tracks from Gillespie's previous 1956 albums "Dizzy in Greece" and "World Statesman".
- Dick Goodwin - Dick Goodwin is a composer, arranger, performer, and studio producer. He leads the Dick Goodwin Quintet and Dick Goodwin Big Band and is a Yamaha Artist.
- Mitch Butler - COLA Jazz, Mitch Butler is New Director of Jazz Education March 23, 2025.
- Charlton Singleton - He is a founding member of an ensemble called Ranky Tanky. The group is a quintet that interprets the sounds of Gullah from the Southeast Coast of the United States. In 2017 Ranky Tanky reached the top of the Billboard, iTunes, and Amazon Contemporary Jazz charts with their self-titled debut recording. In 2019 they accomplished the same feat with the release of their sophomore effort, “Good Time”, which won the 2019 Grammy Award for “Best Regional Roots Album.” In 2022 the band’s live recorded set at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival was nominated for and won the Grammy Award in the same category.