Dizzy Gillespie (1917–1993) was a pioneering American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, instrumental in the development of bebop. Renowned for his virtuosic technique and innovative harmonies, he collaborated with legends like Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. Gillespie's compositions, including "A Night in Tunisia" and "Salt Peanuts," became jazz standards. He also integrated Afro-Cuban rhythms into jazz, expanding its global appeal. His charismatic stage presence, marked by his signature bent trumpet and puffed cheeks, made him an enduring icon in the jazz world. ([britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dizzy-Gillespie?utm_source=openai))