Wax Museum Timeline- Charlie Parker

Birth

Aug 29, 1920

Charlie was born Charles Parker Jr. to Addie and Charles Parker. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He was their first born and ended up an only child.

Move

Jan 1, 1928

Charlie was eight years old when his family moved from Kansas City, Kansas, to Kansas City, Missouri. Shortly after Charlie and his parents moved, Charlie's father left the family for good. This was a result of Charlie's father's drug addiction.

Starts playing music

Feb 1, 1933

Charlie enrolled in the school band and was assigned to play the baritone horn. However, a few months later he chose to play the alto saxophone.

First Marriage

Jul 25, 1936

Charlie's mother had a close friend named Fannie Ruffin. Fannie's family was poor and in need of money. Fannie's family moved in with the Parkers. Before long Charlie developed a relationship with Fannie's daughter named Rebecca. Fannie was very mad about this relationship and immediately moved her family out of the Parkers house. However, Charlie and Rebecca still met in secret. They ended up getting married.

First Son Is Born

Jan 10, 1938

Charlie's first son, Francis Leon Parker, is born.

Move

Jan 1, 1939

Charlie moved to New York City.

Joined Jay McShann's band

Jan 1, 1939

Charlie joined Jay McShann's band. They toured through the southwest United States, Chicago, and New York City. Charlie left Jay McShann's band in 1942. This is when he got the nickname "Yardbird". The nickname "Yardbird" was given to Charlie after a car he was riding in hit a chicken. Charlie insisted they take the chicken and cook it when they got to where they were going.

Band Change

Aug 1, 1942

Charlie joined the Earl Hines band. Dizzie Gillespie was a member of this band. Charlie and Dizzie ended up being the founders of "Bebop" or Modern Jazz.

Second Marriage

Apr 10, 1943

Charlie married Geraldine Scott.

Move to L.A.

Dec 1, 1945

Charlie moves to Los Angeles.

hospitalized

Jul 29, 1946

Charlie is hospitalized after suffering a nervous breakdown. He was in the hospital for 6 months.

Move

Mar 1, 1947

Charlie moves back to New York. He formed a quintet that included himself, Miles Davis, Max Roach, Duke Jordan, and Tommy Potter. They stayed together for 18 months. They played at different places in New York City. They also travelled to Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

Third Marriage

Nov 1, 1948

Charlie marries Doris Sydnor.

Performs in Europe

May 1, 1949

Charlie accepted an invitation to perform at the 2nd annual Paris Jazz Fest. It was his first opportunity to perform overseas. Charlie even considered moving to Europe after playing there, but decided to return to the U.S.

Birdland opens

Dec 15, 1949

A nightspot named Birdland opened in Charlie's name. He did not have any ownership. He did play the opening night and many times after the opening though.

Fourth Marriage

Jan 1, 1950

Charlie and Chan Richardson become a couple.

Loses cabaret card

Jan 1, 1951

Charlie lost his cabaret card. This was needed to play music in New York state cabarets. Charlie wasn't able to play in New York cabarets for over 2 years. This caused a major financial problem for Charlie and his family.

First Daughter Is Born

Jan 1, 1952

Charlie's first daughter, Pree Parker, is born.

Second Son Is Born

Jan 1, 1953

Charlie's second son, Baird Parker, is born.

Pree Dies

Mar 1, 1954

Charlie and Chan's daughter Pree dies due to a heart condition. Charlie blamed himself for Pree's death. He felt he didn't have the means to get good health care for her.

Death

Mar 12, 1955

Charlie dies from many medical conditions.