Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer whose innovative harmonies, angular melodies, and percussive playing style reshaped modern jazz. Emerging from the vibrant bebop scene of the 1940s, Monk developed a distinctive sound heard in timeless compositions such as “’Round Midnight” and “Blue Monk.” Known for his improvisational brilliance and eccentric stage presence, he influenced generations of musicians and expanded the boundaries of jazz expression. Monk’s enduring legacy continues to define him as one of the most original voices in 20th-century music.