The Bird: Charlie “Bird“ Parker, 1920-1955

Produced by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (in 1989), Jan Horne’s four-part film on the life of jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker is the definitive chronicle of Parker’s remarkable life. Divided into four chronological chapters, each features film clips and interviews that bring to life his brilliant career. 0:00:00 Part One, “Now’s the Time,“ examines Parker’s early years in Kansas City and his impact on fellow musicians - Dizzy Gillespie, John Lewis, Flip Phillips - after he came to New York in the 1940s. ***NOTE: The above description of part one (found online) does not appear to match part one of this video. Part One of this video is a visit with Parker’s widow, Chan, in France. She explores her memories of him and their relationship. It seems to be a condensed version of the whole 3.5 hour series, not Part One. 0:55:12 Part Two, “Just Friends,” centers on the New York years and his collaborations with Red Rodney, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, and others.