Support provided by:
The Case:
A woman owns a beautiful old alto saxophone that belonged to her father and according to family legend was once owned by the legendary jazz musician Charlie "Bird" Parker.
Her late father, a white musician, told her that when they lived in Portland, Oregon, Charlie Parker came to a practice session without his horn.
The story goes that when her father chided Parker for selling his instrument, Bird said, "If you want the horn so much, here's the pawn ticket."
But is the story true? Did these two musicians ever meet? Would Charlie Parker abandon his horn?
History Detectives investigates an original American art form and the life of a troubled musical genius
Season 2, Episode 11
Detective:
Wes Cowan
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Oakland, California
Related Content
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 2
Civil War Submarine
Is this submarine an example of new technology developed by the Confederates during the Civil War?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Monroe Letter
Does this letter link America's President to the high seas piracy of U.S. merchant ships in the early 1800s?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Railroad Station
Is a disused depot the first railroad station in Texas?
-
Related Investigation
Mouse Toy
Could this tiny toy labeled 'Micky' be the original Mickey Mouse?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Sears Home
Might an Ohio couple's residence be a long-forgotten Sears home?
-
Also in Post War: 1945-1970
Space Boot
What does this odd-looking boot have to do with America's first steps in space?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Post War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentIt turns out that this collage was sold last fall: http://www.worthpoint.com/wort... I wonder if it would be possible to contact the buyer by way of the auction house about getting a print made. (9 months ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (1 year ago)
- FacebookCongrats on your exhibit, TZ! Here's a Washington Post article about the exhibit, everyone, and the great story TZ and Elyse did on his "Our Colored Heroes" story. http://tinyurl.com/mzpuyo8 http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/our-colored-heroes/ (9 months ago)