August 29th marks what would be the 100th birthday of the Kansas City, KS born Jazz legend Charlie “Yardbird” Parker. Known for his smooth alto saxophone, Parker was a highly influential soloist and leading musician in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, technique, and advanced harmonies.
Parker was raised in KCMO, near the Westport area. He began playing sax at the young age of 11 and later joined his school band at Lincoln High School. He left school in