Bio

Charles Mingus was born in Nogales, Arizona in 1922. After a relocation, he spent most of his childhood in Watts, LA. Mingus’ early musical exposure can be credited to his mother, who only allowed church music in the house growing up. Throughout his career, the gospel influence of his early life, as well as influences from Duke Ellington (his biggest inspiration) can be heard in his playing. Mingus started to play the cello, but switched to the double bass for a variety of reasons. Mingus released some of his most acclaimed recordings during the 1950’s and 1960’s including ‘Ah Um’, ‘Roots and Blues’, and ‘Pithecanthropus Erectus’. From the 1940’s through the 1970’s, Mingus was considered one of if not the best bassists alive. He also made a habit of hiring musicians not only for their musical talent, but for their personalities as well. Some of the musicians that Mingus played with are Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, Jaki Byard, and Jean Shepherd.