Artist page

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He passed away on February 17, 1982, in Weehawken, New Jersey, at the age of 64. Renowned for his idiosyncratic improvisational style, Monk made significant contributions to the jazz repertoire and is recognized as one of the founders of bebop. His compositions and improvisations are characterized by dissonant harmonies and angular melodic twists. Monk's unique piano technique features a highly percussive attack, along with the use of silence and dramatic pauses. He was also known for his distinctive fashion sense, often wearing suits, hats, and trademark sunglasses. On stage, Monk was an unconventional performer, sometimes getting up from the piano to dance in a counter-clockwise motion, reminiscent of ring-shout and Muslim Sufi whirling, while his band members played. He recorded as a leader for various periods from 1947 to 1971. Monk is one of only five jazz musicians to have appeared on the cover of Time magazine, joining a select group that includes notable figures like Duke Ellington. He was the father of Barbara Monk, who was known as well.

For any edit requests, please reach out to info@rovr.live