Portrait of Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk

Origin: Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA Years: October 10, 1917 - February 17, 1982

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer who pioneered bebop and modern jazz, creating distinctive angular melodies and dissonant harmonies that became his signature style. A founder of bebop alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Monk composed over 70 jazz standards including 'Round Midnight,' 'Blue Monk,' and 'Epistrophy.' Known for unconventional technique, abrupt chord changes, and unique improvisational approach, Monk influenced generations of jazz musicians including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock. A 5-time Grammy winner and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, Monk was inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame for 'Round Midnight' and received posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.

JazzBebopHard BopAvant-Garde JazzPiano JazzModern Jazz

Discography Overview

During his recording career from 1944 to 1975, Monk released over 70 songs across Blue Note, Riverside, Columbia, and other labels, with multiple compositions becoming jazz standards. His Blue Note Records catalog (1947-1952) established his reputation as bebop pioneer with classics like 'Round Midnight' (1947) and 'Epistrophy.' His Riverside Records period (1955-1961) featured collaborations with John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, producing 'Monk's Music' (1957) and 'Brilliant Corners' (1956). His Columbia Records era (1962-1968) brought him wider audience with albums like 'Monk's Dream' (1962) and 'Underground' (1968). Monk received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, and 'Round Midnight' was inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame. His recordings have sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Key Albums

  • Genius of Modern Music, Volume 1 (1947)
  • Genius of Modern Music, Volume 2 (1947)
  • Monk's Music (1957)
  • Brilliant Corners (1956)
  • Thelonious Himself (1957)
  • Solo Monk (1964)

Key Songs

  • Round Midnight
  • Blue Monk
  • Epistrophy
  • Straight, No Chaser
  • Ruby, My Dear
  • Rhythm-a-Ning
  • In Walked Bud
  • Well, You Needn't
  • Criss Cross
  • Pannonica
  • Ask Me Now

Career Timeline

  1. 1930s Moved to New York; began playing at Minton's Playhouse with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie
  2. 1944 Made first recordings with Coleman Hawkins and Cootie Williams
  3. 1947 Signed with Blue Note Records; released 'Genius of Modern Music' Volumes 1 and 2
  4. 1947 Composed 'Round Midnight,' 'Blue Monk,' and 'Epistrophy'; established as bebop pioneer
  5. 1951 Signed with Prestige Records; released early bebop recordings
  6. 1955 Signed with Riverside Records; formed quartet with John Coltrane
  7. 1956 Released 'Brilliant Corners' with Sonny Rollins and Art Blakey
  8. 1957 Released 'Monk's Music' with John Coltrane and 'Thelonious Himself' album
  9. 1958 Toured internationally; appeared at Newport Jazz Festival
  10. 1959 Performed at Carnegie Hall; recorded live albums
  11. 1962 Signed with Columbia Records; 'Monk's Dream' album reached mainstream audience
  12. 1964 Released 'Solo Monk' piano album; demonstrated mastery of solo piano
  13. 1968 Released 'Underground' album; final Columbia recording
  14. 1971 Appeared in documentary 'Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser'
  15. 1972 Suffered from mental health issues; retired from performing
  16. 1975 Made final recordings; retired from music
  17. 1982 Died from stroke in Englewood, New Jersey at age 64; career spanned 38 years
  18. 1993 Posthumously received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
  19. 2006 Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame for 'Round Midnight'
  20. 2007 Posthumously awarded Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for contributions to music

Influence Graph

How Thelonious Monk sits in the influence chain

Influenced by

  • Duke Ellington
  • Count Basie
  • Earl Hines
  • Jelly Roll Morton
  • Stride Piano

Influenced

  • John Coltrane
  • Sonny Rollins
  • Miles Davis
  • Herbie Hancock
  • Chick Corea
  • Keith Jarrett
  • Brubeck
  • Cecil Taylor

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