The father of modern jazz guitar was born this day in 1919 in Dallas. Charlie Christian's recording career lasted only three years, but what an impact he had on later generations.

Pianist Sir Charles Thompson was born this day in 1918 in Springfield, Ohio. He left Midwest territory bands in the 1930s to join Lionel Hampton, then small groups on the New York club scene.

Trumpet player Snooky Young was born this date in 1919 in Dayton, Ohio. He took up the horn at age 5 and played in the Wilberforce College Band without ever attending the school.

Clarinetist Milton "Mezz" Mezzrow was born this day in 1899 in Chicago. Mezzrow's passable skills as a player were far overshadowed by his role as an organizer of recording dates, including sessions by Sidney Bechet and trumpeter Tommy Ladnier. Mezzrow di

Saxophonist Lucky Thompson was born in Detroit this day in 1924. He was a disciple of reed player Don Byas. Despite several inactive periods in his career, Lucky Thompson played and/or recorded with a veritable who's who in jazz.

Powerhouse pianist Erroll Garner, the man who wrote "Misty," was born this day in Pittsburgh in 1921. He died in 1977.

Pianist and songwriter Cy Coleman was born this day in 1929. His best-known tunes include the bewitching standard "Witchcraft."

Jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham was born this day in Nashville, Tenn., in 1905. He toiled in near anonymity for years as a big band section player, but came into his own as a jazz soloist in the 1970s. Cheatham died in 1997 at age 91. He was stricken hours af

Pianist Chick Corea was born this day in 1941 in Chelsea, Mass. A two-year stint with Miles Davis in the late 1960s brought Corea international stature in jazz and established him as a leading player on electric keyboards.