Thelonious Monk, 1917-1982

OTD in 1917 Thelonious Monk, known as one of the first creators of modern jazz, was born.

Monk's playing was described 'percussive, sparse and angular because he used "complex and dissonant harmonies and unusual intervals and rhythm"

He was also quite prolific as a composer. His music was written in 12 bar blues and 32 bar blues form. These songs became jazz standards.

Monk's best known works include "Well, You Needn't," "I Mean You," "Straight No Chaser," "Criss Cross" and "Round Midnight."

See this great overview of Monk's work

Thelonious Monk: 'Thelonious Himself' : NPR

Blogs on Thelonious Monk

Round Midnight (historianspeaks.org)

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