Born: 29 Aug 1920 in Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
Died: 12 March 1955 in New York City, New York, USA (aged 34).
Best known as simply 'Bird' (a shortening of 'Yardbird', Parker acquired the nickname early in his career with many contradictory stories regarding the name's origin). Widely considered to be one of the most influential of jazz saxophonists, jazz musicians, and indeed musicians in general.
Not to be confused with the violinist, Charles Parker.