Bebop Jazz

Kansas City may not be the birthplace of jazz but it is the location of its maturity. The political and social climate of the Pendergast political era was the perfect incubator for what became to be known as Bebop. While the rest of the nation was hammered by the depression, Kansas City, in spite of its location in the hard hit mid-west, flourished in every way. Both financially and culturally the city was hitting its stride. From the Negro Baseball Monarchs to the all night jazz parlors Kansas City was on a roll. But it was mostly about the music. Even devastation of segregation couldn’t keep a hold on the popularity of this new sound. Over 100 jazz clubs offered live music 7 days a week.

From being ridiculed off the stage by a tossed cymbal to becoming one of the most revered sax player of all time, Charlie Parker changed forever the sound of jazz.

Jazz music took a sharp turn with the creation of Bepob. The likes of Park, Gillespie, and Monk changed the way we listen to music and created opportunities for expression that simply did not exist in the more traditional sounds of Big Band. From the wide-open streets of Pendergast's Kansas City to the famous night clubs of Harlem came a sound that challenged the abilities and sensebilities of the brightest stars of Jazz.

Bepob's players skyrocketed in popularity. Thelonious Monk put it best when he said, "They say I'm famous, ain't that a bitch!"

The documentary "Straight, No Chaser" chronicles his life and the life of Bebop. It is a must see.