Parker is commonly considered the greatest bebop jazz musician. In terms of influence and impact, his contribution to jazz was so great that Charles Mingus commented that if Bird were alive today, he would think he was living in a hall of mirrors. Bird's talent is compared almost without argument to such legendary musicians as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and his reputation and legend as one of the best saxophonists is such that some critics say he was unsurpassed.
A founding figure of bebop, Parker's innovative approach to melody, rhythm and harmony have exerted an incalculable influence on jazz.. Several of Parker's songs have become standards of the repertoire, and innumerable musicians have studied Parker's music and absorbed elements of his style.
Parker became an icon for the Beat generation, and was a pivotal figure in the evolving conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. At various times, Parker fused jazz with other musical styles, from classical (seeking to study with Edgard Varese and Stefan Wolpe) to Latin music (recordings with Machito), blazing paths followed later by others.
Parker was known for often showing up to performances without an instrument and borrowing someone else's at the last moment. At more than one venue he played on a plastic Grafton saxophone; later, saxophonist Ornette Coleman used this brand of plastic sax in his early career. On one particular occasion before a concert in Toronto, Canada, he had sold his saxophone to buy drugs, and at the last minute, he, Dizzy Gillespie and other members of Charlie's entourage went running around Toronto trying to find a saxophone. After scouring all the downtown pawnshops open at the time, they were only able to find a Grafton, which Parker proceeded to use at the concert that night. This concert is documented on the album Jazz at Massey Hall. The album is considered one of the greatest live recordings in Jazz history.
Parker's battles with alcoholism and heroin addiction ranged from his teenage years until his death from pneumonia and a bleeding ulcer at thirty-four. The toll that the drug had taken on his relatively young body was quite profound - a doctor examining Parker's body estimated him to be around sixty years old.
During his lifetime, tribute was paid to Parker when a new nightclub in New York was named Birdland in his honour in 1949.Three years later, George Shearing wrote "Lullaby of Birdland", which was named for both Parker and the nightclub.
Other phenomena also occurred in the United States after the death of Parker, particularly the use of the term "Bird lives" in graffiti throughout New York hours after his death, and later as the title of a contemporary art piece of the same name, created by sculptor Robert Graham in 1999. Despite its widespread use, Ted Joans is usually credited with its inception.
I Got Rhythm
Charlie Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who can ask for anything more
I got daisies....In green pastures....I got my gal
Who could ask for anything more
Old man trouble....I don't mind him.
You won't find him.... 'round my door
I got starlight...I got sweet dreams...I got my gal
Who could ask for anything more
I got rhythm....I got music....I got my gal
Who can ask for anything more
Who could ask for anything more
Charlie Parker's "I Got Rhythm" is a timeless classic that offers a glimpse into the world of one who has everything they could ever ask for. Throughout the song, Parker highlights the simple yet profound things that make him grateful for his life. The opening lyrics "I got rhythm...I got music...I got my gal" speak to the foundational elements of a good life: a steady beat, a tune that inspires, and someone to love.
The lyrics continue to showcase Parker's ability to find joy in life's simplest pleasures. He sings about having daisies in green pastures, a peaceful and idyllic scene that speaks to the beauty of nature. He also mentions how old man trouble doesn't bother him, indicating his resilience in the face of hardship. And finally, he speaks of having starlight and sweet dreams, things that are intangible yet somehow essential to one's happiness.
Overall, the song's message is clear: even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for. By focusing on the positive aspects of his life, Parker is able to maintain a sense of contentment and wholeness no matter what else is going on around him.
Line by Line Meaning
I got rhythm....I got music....I got my gal
I have the beat and the melody, as well as the love of my life.
Who can ask for anything more
There is really nothing more that I could ask for.
I got daisies....In green pastures....I got my gal
Not only do I have beautiful flowers in a peaceful setting, but I also have my beloved with me.
Who could ask for anything more
Once again, there is nothing else I need.
Old man trouble....I don't mind him.
Despite any difficulties I may face, I am not bothered by them.
You won't find him.... 'round my door
I am able to keep those troubles away from my home and my life.
I got starlight...I got sweet dreams...I got my gal
Along with the beauty of the night sky and pleasant dreams, I also have the love and companionship of my partner.
Who could ask for anything more
Once again, there is nothing else I need in my life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY WOODS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dihyyy
it's actually good to hear that some young people still listen to this music.
@babyjesuslovesme1219
I’m 40… hope that’s considered young haha
@guritevzadze314
@@babyjesuslovesme1219 after thirty youre grown men.
@ThePaolaherrera
I'm 23, 8 years later... I love this jazz, and I hear charlie parker since 2015
@saltybananas5763
I'm 16
@erniebuck7986
No need to say actually or still. It's good period. Christ, this was, always will be deadly music.
@ronnieharper879
As a fellow saxophonist, I have to admit listening to these incredibly talented musicians makes me want to give up music altogether because I know that I'll never ever be able to play as good as these guys. Makes me want to cry because I love music so much.
@lawrencemuller8972
As long as it gives you pleasure, play music ! To give you an idea, Herbie Hancock once said he was not a genius as Miles Davis, but he would continue making music in his own way.
@BucketheadsBucket
You can get there man. Put in the time and effort that these guys did and you'll be just as good.
@firetopman
Never compare. Just enjoy your music.