Ep 179: Chan Parker

This week we dive into the jazz era and give you the life story of Chan Parker.

Since the day she was born Chan Parker always had a deep passion for music. With parents involved in the nightclub scene, Chan spent her early years seeing legends such as Rosetta Tharpe, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington perform at all the hot New York clubs. By the time she was 20 she was very well known and admired in the Jazz/Swing scene, and was lovingly dubbed "The Queen of Swing Street".

While Chan had many musical admirers over the years it was saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker, who first captured her heart. Being an interracial couple in the 1940's wasn't easy and neither was life with Charlie. Bird suffered from mental illness which was exacerbated by his substance abuse issues. Chan did all she could for Charlie before his passing at age 34. Following Charlie Chan fell for yet another saxophonist, Phil Woods, who she would go on to marry.

Listen to hear Chans story.

Time Stamp 00:03.35

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