The Most Influential Jazz Musicians

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1. Charles Mingus

It’s not uncommon that an artistic genius can be a little rough around the edges when it comes to his character, and Charles Mingus was no different. While his compositions were extremely brilliant, sporting a revolutionary and upbeat spirit in the forms of gospel, hard bop, free jazz, and classical music, he was also a hot head. Swinging between clinical depression and anger issues, Mingus once punched his trombonist during a raging outburst, thereby breaking his tooth. Nonetheless, his impeccable work as a composer, bass player, piano player, and band leader made him one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.

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