Oscar Pettiford(1922-1960)
[b. Okmulgee, OK, 30 Sept 1922; d. Copenhagen, 8 Sept 1960). Double bass player, Cellist, and bandleader. Of mixed black and American Indian descent,
Pettiford was born into a large musical family and consequently learned
many instruments in the cource of participating in the band's travels.
Recorded with many prominent jazz musicians of the day including, Dizzy
Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, and later, Thelonius Monk.
Pettiford was renouned for his ill temperment and personnel problems with his
recording endeavors.
Most influential for his innovations in the bass theory of the bop sound.
Considered one of the learning standards of Bop bass playing. Also helped bring
the double bass to the foreground as a solo instrument.
