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 with Wes Cowan
McKinley Casket Flag
Did this flag once drape the casket of President William McKinley?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Vietnam War Diary
Why did this story capture international interest?
-
Related Investigation
Airstream Caravan
Was this mobile home part of a modern-day wagon train halfway across the world?
-
Also in Post War: 1945-1960
N.E.A.R Device
Was this device invented to help Americans believe they could survive a Soviet nuclear attack?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Mark Twain's Watch
Was this watch a gift from noted author American author Mark Twain?
-
Related Investigation
Lee Family Doll
Did this doll belong to a former slave of General Robert E. Lee?
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.