Bebop: When Creativity Had No Boundaries

Bebop is a form of jazz that came about in the 1940s that stressed virtuoso soloing and playing off ordinary resolution of musical themes. Bebop encouraged artist to venture into creative realms that had been unexplored before, melodically venturing off of original harmony. The era encouraged creativity and taking what was old and making it your own, like the music a lot of the artists were unique and varied off the path too. They had a style unique to themselves that transcends a generation and can be used as inspiration to this day. The beautiful thing about jazz is it builds off the generations before and develops into another voice, another sense of reason just like fashion. Mavericks like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk were influenced by the preceding generation's adventurous soloists, such as pianists Art Tatum and Earl Hines, tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young and trumpeter Roy Eldridge.

The 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" by Coleman Hawkins is an important antecedent of bebop. Hawkins' willingness to stray—even briefly—from the ordinary resolution of musical themes and his playful jumps to double-time signaled a departure from existing jazz.

Style: His fedora and formal minimalist look added to his cooler than cool demeanor.

Style: Look at these frames and the baret. Fits perfectly "The first time you hear Dizzy Gillespie play the trumpet, you may think that the tape was recorded at the wrong speed. He played so high, so fast, so correctly." —Wynton Marsalis

Charlie Parker also known as the Bird was an icon for the hipster subculture and later the Beat generation, personifying the conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. His style – from a rhythmic, harmonic and soloing perspective – influenced countless peers on every instrument.

Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz. He was prolific, organizing at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his recording career. A pioneer in history his music had an increasingly spiritual component through his career.

Style: The thin lapel tailored cotton sport coats added to his spiritual and laid back personality. His style expresses thoughtfulness, freedom, and yet has a sense of decor.

Johnny Griffin

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer considered one of the most prolific american musicians ever. Monk had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire.Often regarded as a founder of bebop, Monk through time evolved and so did his music. His compositions and improvisations are consistent with Monk's unorthodox approach to the piano, which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of silences and hesitations.

Style: His style was as unique, creative and off the beaten path as Monk himself. He wore incredible patterned blazers, sweaters and shirts, great unique glasses and hats that resemble a Buddhist monk at times. His style transcends generations and screams independence, freedom, and creativity.