Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk News
Credits: Far Out / William P. Gottlieb
Full Name
Thelonious Sphere Monk
Born
October 10th, 1917
Height
6ft 3in
Hometown
New York City, New York, USA
Net Worth
Estimated $10 million
Partner
Nellie Smith Monk
Family
Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, before moving with his family to New York City's San Juan Hill neighbourhood as a child. He married Nellie Smith in 1947, and the couple had two children, Thelonious Monk Jr. and Barbara Monk. Nellie played a crucial role in supporting Monk throughout his career and personal struggles.
Years Active
1940–1976
Bands
Thelonious Monk Quartet, Thelonious Monk Orchestra
Top Tracks
'Round Midnight", 'Straight, No Chaser', 'Blue Monk', 'Well, You Needn't', 'Epistrophy'
Top Albums
'Brilliant Corners', 'Monk's Dream', 'Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane', 'Genius of Modern Music', 'Misterioso'
Records Sold
More than 2 million worldwide
Fun Facts
Thelonious Monk was one of only a handful of jazz musicians to appear on the cover of Time magazine during his lifetime, in 1964. ### His composition "'Round Midnight" is one of the most-recorded jazz standards ever written ### Monk was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 2006 in recognition of his profound and lasting influence on American music.
Related Artists
John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist, composer and bandleader whose groundbreaking approach to harmony, rhythm and improvisation made him one of the most influential figures in jazz history. A pioneer of bebop alongside Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Bud Powell, Monk developed a highly distinctive piano style characterised by dissonant harmonies, angular melodies and percussive playing. His compositions, including ‘Round Midnight’, ‘Straight, No Chaser’, ‘Blue Monk’, ‘Well, You Needn’t’ and ‘Epistrophy’, have become enduring jazz standards performed by generations of musicians. Regarded as one of the greatest composers in American music, Monk’s innovative work reshaped modern jazz and continues to influence artists across countless genres.

Thelonious Monk News

More About Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer whose revolutionary approach to bebop and modern jazz made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
"'Round Midnight" is Thelonious Monk's best-known composition, alongside jazz standards including 'Straight, No Chaser', 'Blue Monk', 'Well, You Needn't' and 'Epistrophy'.
Thelonious Monk transformed modern jazz through his unconventional harmonies, distinctive piano style and timeless compositions, which continue to shape jazz performance and composition around the world.
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