Charles Mingus is an American jazz double bassist, pianist, composer and bandleader.
A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history, with a career spanning three decades and collaborations with other jazz legends such as
Louis Armstrong,
Duke Ellington,
Charlie Parker,
Dizzy Gillespie,
Dannie Richmond, and
Herbie Hancock.
Mingus' compositions continue to be played by contemporary musicians ranging from the repertory bands
Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, and Mingus Orchestra, to the high school students who play the charts and compete in the Charles Mingus High School Competition.