2011 Inductee – Charlie “Yardbird” Parker – Kansas City, MO – 1min30sec
2011 Inductee – Charlie “Yardbird” Parker – Kansas City, MO – 1min30sec – Childhood — Charlie Parker was born in Kansas City, Kansas and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, the only child of Charles and Addie Parker. Charles, an alcoholic, was often absent. Parker attended Lincoln High School. He enrolled in September 1934 and withdrew in December 1935 about the time he joined the local Musicians Union. Parker displayed no sign of musical talent as a child. His father presumably provided some musical influence; he was a pianist, dancer and singer on the TOBA circuit, although he later became a Pullman waiter or chef on the railways. His mother worked nights at the local Western Union. His biggest influence however was a young trombone player who taught him the basics of improvisation. Parker began playing the saxophone at age 11 and at age 14 joined his school’s band using a rented school instrument. One story holds that, without formal training, he was terrible, and thrown out of the band. Experiencing periodic setbacks of this sort, at one point he broke off from his constant practicing. Early career — It has been said that, in early 1936, Parker participated in a ‘cutting contest’ that included Jo Jones on drums, who tossed a cymbal at Parker’s feet in impatience with his playing. However, in the numerous interviews throughout his life, Jones made no mention of this incident. At this time Parker began to practice with great diligence and rigor, learning the blues, “Cherokee” and “rhythm changes” in all twelve keys. In this woodshedding period …
Singer KEM provides haircuts for Detroit students
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She says the gesture is another example of how KEM gives back to the community. KEM hosted a free concert and food drive to benefit Detroit's homeless last year. The Grammy nominee has said his past included drug addiction and being homeless.
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2012 Notable Sports Deaths
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Levane starred in college at St. John's and won the Haggerty Award as the city's best college player in 1943. Levane coached the Knicks from 1958-60, leading … He also coached the offensive line for and Notre Dame and Kansas State and five NFL teams …
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Bias toward killer's victims led to police failure
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Systemic police prejudice against the poor, drug-addicted sex workers targeted by convicted killer Robert Pickton in Vancouver allowed him to spend years hunting his victims unimpeded by authorities, according to a report …
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Extra Points: Reid's actions leaves steroid cloud over Eagles
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THE SKINNY: Dreams of a late run at the AFC South title were dashed in Houston last week but the Colts can rebound and clinch a postseason berth with a win against 2-12 Kansas City. The Colts can also become just the fourth team in NFL history to win …
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