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Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Gillespie estate to be auctioned

Dizzy GillespieThe contents of the estate of Dizzy Gillespie are to be sold at auction, 12 years after the death of the renowned jazz trumpeter.
His wife of 53 years, Lorraine, is putting hundreds of items up for sale in New Jersey, where the couple made their home.

His iconic bent trumpet will be among the lots, along with a piano and his record collection.

The sale is being held on 14 September by auctioneers Dawson and Nye.

Among the other items going up for sale are many of Gillespie's signature hats, handwritten sheet music, photographs and personal correspondence.

Born John Birks Gillespie, he was seen as being at the forefront of the development of modern jazz and bepop, along with Charlie Parker.

One of Gillespie's trumpets will be sold at the auctionHe got the nickname Dizzy because of his frantic on-stage performances.

During his career, he led small and big bands, pushing the boundaries of jazz music.

He famously played a bent trumpet. He was said to have discovered he liked the sound after accidentally damaging one.

Gillespie died of pancreatic cancer in 1993 at the age of 75.

A preview of the auction will be held on 11 September, and will include a tribute performance by the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band formed after his death to continue his legacy.

[bbc.co.uk]
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