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American jazz saxophonist and composer, revolutionary pioneer of bebop and one of the most influential figures in jazz history. Born in Kansas City, Parker began playing saxophone at age 11. Developed revolutionary bebop style in early 1940s New York with Dizzy Gillespie. Recorded landmark sessions for Savoy and Dial labels. Struggled with heroin addiction throughout career. Died at 34 after years of substance abuse.

• Parker earned the nickname 'Bird' (or 'Yardbird') reportedly after a chicken was accidentally hit by his tour bus; he insisted it be cooked for dinner. Others claim it referenced his 'free as a bird' improvisations.
• His heroin addiction began at 16 after a car crash led to morphine prescription. This caused lifelong struggles: he was fired from bands, pawned instruments, and once played a gig in plastic shoes after pawning his clothes.
• In 1946, while recording 'Lover Man,' Parker suffered a mental breakdown and was hospitalized. Post-release, he set his hotel room on fire and ran naked through the lobby, resulting in six months at Camarillo State Hospital.
• Parker died watching Tommy Dorsey's TV show in the suite of jazz patron Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter. The coroner estimated his body at 53-65 years old due to advanced cirrhosis and ulcer damage from substance abuse.