"First you learn the instrument, then you learn the music, then you forget all that s**t and just play." ― Charlie Parker From Charlie Parker Musician Added on 1/31/2026 About Charlie Parker Charlie Parker was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who helped pioneer bebop. His harmonic innovations and improvisational style profoundly influenced modern jazz. Born: 1920-08-29 Died: 1955-03-12 View all quotes from Charlie Parker