Shipton’s impeccable research debunks many myths surrounding Gillespie and answers some burning questions. Where did the term “bebop” originate? How did drummer Kenny Clarke get the nickname “Klook”? What’s the real story behind Dizzy’s upturned bell?

With honesty and accuracy the author details Dizzy’s childhood in South Carolina, the many big bands in which he played over his career, his musical influences, his role as a founder of bebop and his innovations in the development of Afro-Cuban music. The author analyzes recordings, evaluates the many stages of Gillespie’s career, and presents an intimate portrait of the man--his personal relationships, his political activism, his stand against racism, his humanitarianism, and his role as a teacher. Interviews with peers offer glimpses as to how Dizzy was perceived by other musicians and fans.

From the trumpeter’s early interest in the role of his instrument in jazz and his relationship with Charlie “Bird” Parker and their differing perceptions of bebop to Gillespie’s role as an ambassador directing the State Department Band and his development of the United Nations Orchestra, Dizzy emerges as someone full of contradictions. A man of great intelligence, a genius musician, a hot head, a practical joker, a womanizer dedicated to his wife--Dizzy was all of those. He makes great copy, and Shipton has captured the world-renowned musician in all of his complexity.

Alan Shipton presents jazz programs for the BBC in Lodon and is a jazz critic for The Times of London. He is a former music publisher and has edited the memoirs of Danny Barker and Doc Cheatham.