Date of birth: Aug. 29 (Died: March 12, 1955)

Charlie “Yardbird” Parker set the jazz world on fire with his progressive saxophone style. Parker was born in Kansas City, Kan., and moved to New York in his early 20s. There, he found kindred spirits in other future legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis. Parker changed the face of jazz forever with his inventive time signatures and solos, but passed away prematurely at 34 due to several health issues.

Other notable artists: Dave Brubeck, Peggy Lee