1954	Charlie Parker Chronology
	Created by Leif Bo Petersen	Last Update: March 1, 2023.
Date	Event	References/Further Details
January early	Charlie Parker Release of Charlie Parker Alternate Masters, vol. 2. Dial LP 905 12” 33 rpm. record. Reissues and alternate versions, except for Home Cooking. Dial LP 905 A Charlie Parker Recorded February 28, 1946. Ornithology (1012-4) Yardbird suite (1011-4) Moose the Mooche (1010-2) A Night in Tunisia (1013-5) The Famous Alto Break (1013-1) Dial LP 905 B Charlie Parker Recorded December 17, 1947. Drifting on a Reed (1151-B) Charlie’s Wig (1153 B) Crazeology (1155 C) Recorded October 28, 1947. Dexterity (1101 B) Dewey Square (1103 C) Recorded February 1, 1947. Home Cooking, I Home cooking II	“Packaged Record Review Ratings: Jazz;” Billboard, January 2, 1954, 26: Rating: 65 (satisfactory). “Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, February 10, 1954, 15: Album rating: 4 stars (very good).
January	Charlie Parker Release of Mercury 11101. 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded January 17, 1951. Charlie Parker and His Orchestra Clef 11101 A She Rote Clef 11101 B K. C. Blues	Reviews of This Week’s New Records: Jazz,” Billboard, January 16, 1954, 26: Clef 11101: She Rote: 75 (good); K.C. Blues: 73 (good). “Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, February 10, 1954, 15: She Rote: 5 stars (excellent); K, C. Blues; 2 stars (fair). “Record Reviews,” Metronome, March 1954, 25: Bot sides: B (good).
January 4	Charlie Parker Clifford Brown (tp); Charlie Parker (as); unidentified accompaniment Blue Note, Philadelphia, PA. January 4-9.	“Rhythm and Blues Notes,” Billboard, January 9, 1954, 36: Charlie Parker will be at the Blue Note... in the first week of January. “Band Routes,” Down Beat, January 13, 34: Parker at Blue Note January 4–10. Studying other bills at the Blue Note, Philadelphia, I found that they only covered 6 nights from Monday to Saturday. So I think January 4–9 is the correct period for Parker’s engagement-. “Barry Ulanov: Bird on the Run;” Metronome, March 1954, 34: Ulanov relates a recent train meeting with Parker, who was on his way to Philadelphia. Parker tells that he is working with Clifford Brown at this gig.
January 10?	Charlie Parker Probably: Herbie Williams (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Rollins Griffith (p); Jimmy Woode (b); Marquis Foster (d). Hi-Hat, Boston, MA. January 10: WBMS: 3:00–4 pm: Symphony Sid. Recordings exist:	Not announced in the press. “Radio, Television, FM,” Boston American, January 11, 1954, TV-D: WBMS: 3:00–4:00 pm: Symphony Sid http://www.plosin.com/MilesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540104 It has been believed that some of these broadcast tracks come from a gig in December 1953, probably because of Parker’s Santa Claus-quote on Ornithology and his remark of Now’s the Time being recorded “ a few weeks ago, absolutely in the year 1944 [sic].” Newspaper ads do not confirm a December engagement of Parker nor of Ruth Brown, who is mentioned as coming in next day. Ad in Boston Daily Record, January 4, 1954, 36: Tonite thru Sunday Louis Bellson and Don Elliott Band at Hi-Hat. Opening January 11: Ruth Brown. Ad in Boston Daily Record, January 6, 1954, 32: Tonite thru Sunday Louis Bellson and Don Elliott Band at Hi-Hat. Boston Daily Record has no Hi-Hat ads January 7–10. The announcement of Ruth Brown coming the next week points to January 10. Alternatively it could have been June 20, 1953, which had a Parker engagement at the Hi-Hat one day before a Ruth Brown engagement. However, the Santa Claus quote and the Now’s the Time remark speaks against this. The Ornithology track, which obviously has Herbie Williams (not Herb Pomeroy) on trumpet also points to January 1954. The mystery is why we have only weak press evidence of Parker at the Hi-Hat on January 10, 1954: “Blinstrub’s Gets La Rosa…” Boston Daily Record, January 18, 1954, 37: Charlie Parker on a return visit at Hi Hat. “Bebop Star to Lead New jazz Movement,” Jet magazine, January 18, 1954, 62: Statements from Parker about the future of jazz announced in Boston. Since Jet was a weekly publication these statements were made some days before January 18, thereby indicating Parker’s presence in Boston prior to his January 18–24 engagement. “Barry Ulanov: Bird on the Run;” Metronome, March 1954, 34: At their train meeting Parker tells Ulanov that he was in contact with two classical composers and teachers. “ I want to do more with my horn, There is much more I can do in music. You must develop in music…” In the WDHD broadcast interview with John McLellan and Paul Desmond on January 23, 1953, Parker ventures similar points of view: “Well, seriously speaking, I mean, I'm going to try to go to Europe to study. I had the pleasure to meet one Edgar Varese in New York City. He's a classical composer from Europe... he's a Frenchman, very nice fellow, and he wants to teach me. In fact, he wants to write for me, because he thinks I'm more for, more or less on a serious basis, you know -- and if he takes me on, I mean, when he finishes with me, I might have a chance to go to the Academie Musicale in Paris itself, and study, you know. My prime interest still is learning to play music, you know”. I think that all these statements are from the same time frame, January 1954. “Today’s TV, Radio Log,” Record American, January 10, 1954, TV-D: WBMS: 3.00—4:00 p.m.: Symphony Sid. WCOP: 11:30: Symphony Sid. In his closing announcement Symphony Sid encourages the listeners to spend the evening at the Hit-Hat, showing that this comes from a WBMS afternoon broadcasts.
January 18	Charlie Parker Herbie Williams (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Rollins Griffith (p); Jimmy Woode (b); Marquis Foster (d). On January 23 Jay Migliori replaces Griffith and George Solano replaces Foster. Hi-Hat, Boston, MA. January 18-24. January 18: Broadcast: WCOP: 10:05–12:00. Symphony Sid. Recordings exist. Between January 18 and 23: WCOP 10:05 pm?: Symphony Sid. Recordings exist. January 23: Broadcast: WCOP: 10:05–12:00. Symphony Sid. Recordings exist. January 24: Broadcast: WBMS: 3.05–4:15 p.m.: Symphony Sid. Recordings exist.	Ad in Boston Daily Record, January 11, 1954, 36: Tonite thru Sunday: Ruth Brown at Hi-Hat. Opening January 18: Dizzy Gillespie. Ad in Boston Daily Record, January 14, 1954, 27: Tonite thru Sunday: Ruth Brown at Hi-Hat. Opening January 18: Charlie Parker. Ad in Boston Daily Record , January 18, 1954, 38: Tonite through Sunday: Charlie Parker. Opening Monday: Tiny Bradshaw and The Love Notes. Boston Daily Record, January 18, 1954, 50: WCOP: 10:05—12:00 pm: Symphony Sid. http://www.plosin.com/MilesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540118 Symphony Sid’s closing announcement reveals that this broadcast comes from the opening night. Radio Television,” Boston Daily Record, January 19, 1954, : WCOP: 11:10–1: Symphony Sid. January 20–22: WCOP: 10:05–12: Symphony Sid. http://www.plosin.com/MilesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540104 This batch of recordings has Symphony Sid announcing the personnel and that it is a WCOP broadcast. It may alternative be the night broadcast from January 10. “WCOP,” Boston Daily Record, January 23, 1954, 21: WCOP: 10:05–12:00 pm: Symphony Sid. http://www.plosin.com/MilesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540123 Symphony Sid’s closing announcement refers to the Sunday afternoon broadcast, revealing that this broadcast comes from the night before. “WBMS,” Boston Daily Record, January 24, 1954, 21. 3.05—4:15 pm: Symphony Sid. http://www.plosin.com/MilesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540124 The announcements reveal the date: the day after Parker’s WDHN interview on January 23. There is also a reference to the WCOP show later in the night, revealing that his statement comes from a WBMS show.
January 23	Charlie Parker Interviewed by John McClellan and Paul Desmond WHDH studio, Boston, MA. WHDH broadcast: 7:00 p.m.: Top Shelf. Recording exists.	“WHDF,” Boston Daily Record, January 23, 1954, 18. http://www.plosin.com/MilesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540200 Ad in Boston Herald, January 18, 1954, 15: Dave Brubeck is at the Storyville January 18–24. In his January 24 announcement Symphony Sid refers to having heard the Parker interview the night before.
January 27	Festival of Modern American Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra Sam Noto, Vic Minichelli, Buddy Childers, Don Smith, Stu Williamson (tp); Milt Gold, Joe Ciavardone, Bob Fitzpatrick, Frank Rosolino (tb); George Roberts (b-tb); Charlie Mariano, Dave Schildkraut (as); Mike Ciccheti, Bill Perkins (ts); Tony Ferina (bars); Bob Lesher (g); Don Bagley (b); Stan Levey (d); Stan Kenton (arr, dir). Candido Errol Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Dallas, TX. Rehearsals for the tour.	“On the Upbeat,” Variety, February 3, 1954, 58: Rehearsals in Dallas for the tour. “Kenton Gives Tonal Feast in Plantation,” Dallas Morning News, January 27, 1954, part I, 7: Kenton had given a concert in Dallas on January 26.
January 28	Festival of Modern American Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Errol Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Wichita Falls, TX.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 147: No source is given.
January 29	Festival of Modern American Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Coliseum, San Antonia, TX.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 147: No source is given.
January 30	Festival of Modern American Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz City Auditorium, Houston, TX.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 147: No source is given.
January 31	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, LA. 3:30 and 8:30 p.m.	Notice in Times-Picayune New Orleans States, January 17, 1954, sec. 2, 9. “Jazz in Several Facets Offered,” Times-Picayune New Orleans States, February 1, 30.
February	Metronome All Stars Alto Sax 1. Lee Konitz 2. Charlie Parker 3. Paul Desmond 4. Art Pepper 5. Johnny Hodges	“Poll Results,” Metronome, February 1954, 13–14.
February 1	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Fort Whiting, Mobile AL.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 149: No source is given.
February 2	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, GA. 8:30 pm.	Ad in Atlanta Constitution, January 28, 1954, 20.
February 3	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 149: No source is given.
February 4	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 149: No source is given.
February 5	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, NC.	Photo and capture in Daily Tar Heel (NC), February 5, 1954, 6. “Kenton, Crew Play in Raleigh for Foot-Thumping Collegians,” Daily Tar Heel (NC), February 7, 1954, 1: Review.
February 6	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Paramount Theatre, Brooklyn, New York, NY. 8:30 p.m. and midnight.	“B’klyn Paramount Books Stan Kenton Jazz Show Feb. 6,” Brooklyn Eagle, January 27, 8. Ad in New York Amsterdam News, January 30, 1954, 21.
February 7	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz National Guard Armory, Washington, DC. 9:00 p.m.	“Kenton’s Big ‘Modern Jazz Festival’ Slated,” Washington Afro-American, February 2, 1954, 18. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 150: Ad from unidentified newspaper is shown.
February 8	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Upper Darby, PA.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 150: No source is given.
February 9	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Worchester, MA.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 150: No source is given.
February 10	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Civic Center, White Plains, NY.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 150: No source is given.
February 11	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Ann Arbor, MI. 7:30 and 9:30.	K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 26: ad from unidentified newspaper is shown
February 12	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 151: No source is given.
February 13	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Masonic Temple, Detroit, MI. 8:30.	Ad in Detroit Times, February 13, 1954, 16.
February 14	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Rainbo Arena, Chicago, IL. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.	“Stan Kenton Heads Festival of Jazz at Rainbo Arena,” Arlington Heights Herald (Chicago), February 11, 1954, 15. Ad in Chicago Defender, January 13, 1954, 27.
February 21	Festival of Modern American Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Montana State College Gymnasium, Bozeman, MT.	“Jazz Concert Booked by Students,” Montana Standard, February 14, 1954, 2. Ad in Montana Standard, February 14, 1954, 2.
February 24	Festival of Modern American Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Civic Auditorium, Seattle, WA. 3:30 and 8:30 p.m.	Ad in Seattle Times, February 12, 1954, 24. “Words and Music,” Seattle Daily Times, February 25, 1954, 49: review.
February 25	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Public Auditorium, Portland, OR. 8:30 p.m.	Ad in Oregonian, February 25, 1954, 13. http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540225
February 26	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Paramount Theatre, San Francisco, CA. Two Shows.	Ad in San Francisco Chronicle, February 16, 1954, 17.
February 27	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Auditorium Arena, Oakland, CA. 9:30. P.m.	Ad in Oakland Tribune, February 26, 1954, 25. Ad in Oakland Tribune, February 26, 1954, 25. “Assisting Stars Win Plaudits at Jazz Festival,” Oakland Tribune, March 1, 1954, 31: Review of concert.
February 28	Jazz Festival of Modern American Music Stan Kenton Orchestra Candido Erroll Garner Trio June Christy Dizzy Gillespie Charlie Parker Lee Konitz Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA. 8:30 p.m. Gene Norman (mc).	Ad in California Eagle, February 25, 1954, 9. “’Just Jazz’ Gene Norman Presents ‘Wildest Action’ at Shrine Sunday Feb. 28,” California Eagle, February 25, 1954, 9.
March 1	Charlie Parker acc. by Joe Rotondi Trio Al Hibbler Tiffany Club, Los Angeles, CA. March 1-7. Parker is fired on March 4 after rows with the management.	Ad in California Eagle, March 4, 1954, 9: Opening Friday [26]: Al Hibbler. Ad in Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1954, Part I, 8: Charlie Parker; Al Hibbler: Last 4 days. Ad in California Eagle, March 4, 1954, 9: Charlie Parker – Last 3 days. Ad in Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1954, Part I, 8: Charlie Parker; Al Hibbler: Last 4 days. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 153, 157–58: Source: correspondence concerning the engagement.
March 5	Charlie Parker New York, NY. Charlie Parker’s daughter, Pree Parker, dies after having been hospitalized.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 152: Gives date March 6. Memorial sheet from Walter B. Cooke Funeral Service is shown. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 153: In a letter from Tiffany owner Jack Tucker to Gale Agency he states that the Agency has informed him that Pree died Friday (5). Family Trees in Ancestry.com date Pree’s death March 5, New York, NY.
March 15	Duke Ellington Orchestra Charlie Parker Band Graystone Ballroom, Detroit, Mi. 8:30–1:30 am.	Ad in Detroit Times, March 14, 1954, part 2, 11.
March 31	Charlie Parker Quintet Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop, Jr. (p); Jerome Darr (g); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d). Fine studios, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Mercury.	http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540331
April 5	Charlie Parker and his Mercury Recording Group. Probably: Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d). Crystal Show Bar, Detroit, MI. April 5-15. Sunday Matinee concert 4–7 p.m.	Ad in Detroit Free Press, April 5, 1954, 28. “After Dark,” Detroit Free Press, April 6, 1954, 18: Parker and his recording combo at the Crystal Show Bar. “After Dark,” Detroit Free Press, April 9, 1954, 21: Parker and his recording combo at the Crystal Show Bar through next Thursday. Sunday Matinee concert 4–7 p.m. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 155: Source: Money order from Charlie Parker to Chan Parker [Richardson] dated April 8. Ad in Detroit Free Press, April 12, 1954, 32: Last 4 days.
April 12	Charlie Parker Blue Note, Philadelphia, PA. April 12-17. This seems to have been cancelled.	“Band Routes,” Down Beat, April 7, 1954, 18.
April 16	Charlie Parker Loop Lounge, Cleveland, OH. April 16-25. Gala Easter Sunday Free Matinee 4 p.m. Parker did not show up for the last two nights of the engagement.	“Charlie Parker Comes to Loop Lounge Friday,” Cleveland Call and Post, April 17, 1954, 7-C. Ad in Cleveland Call and Post, April 17, 1954, 8-C. “Tips for Those Interested in Entertainment,” Cleveland Call and Post, May 1, 1954, 9-C.
April 25	Benefit for Gene Ammons Charlie Parker and others. Bill D’Arango and His Band Jimmy Saunders Loop Lounge, Cleveland, OH. 4–7 p.m. Gene Ammons appeared blowing in a wheelchair. Parker did not show up for this benefit.	“Parker Heads Benefit for Ammons at Loop,” Cleveland Call and Post, April 24, 1954, 8-C: The benefit seems to have been established on the initiative of Parker, who would contact musical stars from other cities to participate. “Tips for Those Interested in Entertainment,” Cleveland Call and Post, May 1, 1954, 9-C: has details about the benefit.
April late	Quintet of the Year Release of Jazz at Massey Hall vol. 3 Debut DLP-4. 10” LP Recorded May 15, 1953 Quintet of the Year DLP-3 A Wee Hot House DLP-3 B Hot House Night in Tunisia	Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, May 5, 1954, 11: Album rating: 5 stars (excellent). “Record Reviews,” Metronome, June 1954, 27; Album rating: B+ (very good).
May early	Charlie Parker Release of Mercury 11102. 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded March 25, 1952. Charlie Parker and His Orchestra Mercury 11102 A Almost Like Being in Love Mercury 11102 B What Is This Thing Called Love	"Wax Works,” Tampa Bay Times, May 9, 1954, Sunday, 6. Review mentioning this record. “Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, May 19, 1954, 10 and 12: Almost like Being in Love; 3 stars (good); What Is This Thing: 4 Stars (very good(.
May early	Jam session Including Charlie Parker (as), and others Club 708, Chicago, IL. Benefit for Gene Ammons.	“Rhythm N’ Blues Ramblings: Chicago,” Cash Box, May 15, 1954, 25. Notice in Chicago Defender, May 29, 1954, 22: Ammons was injured in a car crash in Cleveland, OH.
May 9	Charlie Parker and His All Stars Including Charlie Parker (as); Brew Moore (ts); Ted Kotick (b); Art Mardigan (d). And other jazz greats. Open Door, New York, NY. 4–7 p.m. and 10–2 a.m. Bob Reisner (prod).	Ad in Villager, May 6, 1954,? K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 36: Handbill.
May 16	Charlie Parker and His All Stars Including Brew Moore. Open Door, New York, NY. 9 p.m.–1 a.m.	“Jazz Concerts,” Daily News, May 15, 1954, ? K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 36: Handbill.
May 23	Charlie Parker and His All Stars Open Door, New York, NY. 9 p.m.–1 a.m. Bob Reisner (prod).	K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 36: Handbill.
May 25	Ella Fitzgerald Louis Bellson Band Basin Street, New York, NY. May 25–June 7.	“Band Routes,” Down Beat, June 2, 18: Has Parker at the Basin Street Club, May 25–June 7. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 159: Has Parker and Fitzgerald in an engagement at the Basin Street club May 25–June 7. A telegram from Parker to Fitzgerald is shown. Parker’s presence here seems doubtful. The telegram probably congratulates Fitzgerald because she celebrated her 19 years as “First Lady of Song” on May 25 (See notice in New York Age, May 22, 1954). If Parker had opened here, opposite Ella Fitzgerald, he would probably not have sent her a telegram. “Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, May 22, 11: Opening May 25: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Bellson, and one or two others. Ad in New York Age, May 29, 6: Fitzgerald, Bellson (including Eldridge and Shavers), Sam Butera Quintet, and Lord Richard Buckley. “ “Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, May 29, 7: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Bellson (including Charlie Shavers and Roy Eldridge). “Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, June 5, 6: Closing June 7: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Bellson (including Charlie Shavers and Roy Eldridge).
May 28	Concert American String Quartette; Leon Bibb; Alan Boeth; Madyne Brewer; Lawrence Brown; Alice Childress; Stewart Clark; Zeebedee Collins; Laura Duncan; Marion Gambo; Herbert Haefrecht; Carroll Hollister; David Johnson; Peggy Kisseloff; Tony Kraber; Julian Mayfeld; Margaret McCaden; Thelonious Monk; Karen Morley; Lorraine Nemeroff; Chancey Northers; Charlie Parker; James T. Powell; Carl Pruitt; Beaulah Richardson; Bill Robinson; Earl Robinson; Betty Sanders; Pete Seeger; Edith Segal; Edith Sewell; Frances Walley; Felix Weiss; Charles White. Renaissance Casino, New York, NY. Benefit for Paul Robeson.	Ad in New York Amsterdam News, May 22, 1954, 22.
May 30	Charlie Parker and His All Stars Open Door, New York, NY. 9 p.m.–1 a.m. Bob Reisner (prod).	Ad in New York Age, May 29, 1954, 6.
June 6	Charlie Parker and His All Stars Charlie Parker (as); Brew Moore (ts); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Art Mardigan (d). Open Door, New York, NY. 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m.	K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 36: Handbill is shown.
June 13	Charlie Parker and His Orchestra Sparrows Beach and Amusement Park, Annapolis, MD.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 160: Ad from unidentified newspaper is shown.
June 14	Charlie Parker Including Clifford Brown? Blue Note, Philadelphia, PA. June 14-19.	“Band Routes,” Down Beat, June 16, 1954, 18. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 160: Including Clifford Brown. As far as I know Clifford Brown had moved to California at this time.
June 27	Charlie Parker Open Door, New York, NY. 9 p.m. Bob Reisner (prod).	Notice in Villager, June 24, 1954,?.
July	Jazz Concert Record Collector’s Shop, New York, NY.	“NYC Record Store Begins Free Jazz concert Series,” Down Beat, July 28, 1954, 2: In recent weeks: Miles Davis, Art Farmer, and Charlie Parker.
July	Charlie Parker- Miles Davis Birdland, New York, NY. Monday night appearance.	“Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, July 28, 1954, 3.
July	Charlie Parker Band Including Art Farmer (tp); Jimmy Cleveland (tb); Roy Haynes (d). Canobie Lake Park, NH.	“Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, September 22, 1954, 20.
July early	Charlie Parker Chan Parker [Richardson] and Charlie Parker rent a house in Brewster, Cape Cod, MA., for the summer.	Chan Parker [Richardson], My Life in E-Flat (1993), 47–48. Symphony Sid in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 219–20: tells it was in Brewster.
July 9	Charlie Parker St. Louis, MO.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 161: Parker telegram from St. Louis to Chan Parker [Richardson] in Brewster on July 9.
July 12	Charlie Parker and His Famous Jazz Recording Combo Probably accompanied by Gene Nero and His Jazz Group in both weeks. Crystal Show Bar, Detroit, MI. July 12-25. Sunday Matinees 4–7 p.m.	Ad in Detroit Free Press, July 12, 1954, 22: Opening tonight: Charlie Parker and His Famous Recording Jazz Combo. Ad in Detroit Free Press, July 19, 1954, 25: Second demand week. Charlie Parker with Gene Nero and His Jazz Group. Ad in Detroit Free Press, July 26, 1954, 18: Opening tonight: Lee Konitz. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 161: Parker telegram from Detroit to Chan Parker [Richardson] in Brewster on July 23.
July mid	Charlie Parker Release of Charlie Parker HI FI. Clef LP MG C 157 10” 33 rpm LP. Charlie Parker Clef MG C-157-A Recorded July 30, 1953. Now’s the time I Remember You Conformation Chi Chi Clef MG C-157-B Recorded December 30, 1952. I Hear Music Laird Baird Kim Cosmic Rays	“Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, July 28, 1954, 14: Album rating: 5 stars (excellent).
July 17	TV Show Charlie Parker; Bill Farrell Al Balleto Quintet Carroll Lee Jazz Band Detroit, MI. WXYZ-TV 12:00–2 p.m.: Ed McKenzie’s Saturday Party.	“Free Press Television, Radio Guide,” Detroit Free Press, July 17, 1954, 19: Television 12– 2 pm: Ed McKenzie’s Saturday Party.
July 17	Newport Jazz Festival Duke Ellington Billie Holiday Eddie Condon Teddy Wilson Art Tatum Erroll Garner Gerry Mulligan Stan Kenton Sarah Vaughan Ella Fitzgerald Oscar Peterson Count Basie Lester Young Roy Eldridge Charlie Parker Lennie Tristano Lee Konitz George Shearing Casino, Newport, RI. July 17-18. George Wein John Hammond (prod). Charlie Parker’s participation was not realized.	“First Newport Jazz Festival Announced,” Boston Herald, June 13, 1954, Sec. 4, 15. “Jazz Greats in Newport Festival,” Pittsburgh Courier, July 3, 1954, 19. Ad in Newport Daily News, July 15, 1954, 11: Parker is not mentioned. “Newport Jazz Festival Lines Up Top Names,” Pittsburgh Courier, July 17, 1954, 18: Parker mentioned as a possibility.
July 24	TV Show Jan August Jerry Wallace Hamish Menzies Charlie Parker Anita O’Day Detroit, MI. WXYZ-TV: 12:00–2 p.m.: Ed McKenzie’s Saturday Party: Latest recordings; Teenage Talent; Dance contests; Guest Stars.	Ad in Detroit Free Press, July 24, 1954, 19. “McKenzie Presents the Stars,” Cash Box, August 14, 1954, 17: Including photo of Parker at the Grand Ballroom.
July/August	Charlie Parker Including Dick Twardzik (p)? Red Barn, Brewster, Cape Cod, MA. Dance.	Symphony Sid in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 219–20: Symphony Sid attended this Parker gig. Chan Parker [Richardson], My Life In E-Flat (1993), 48: Tells that Parker had a gig in Boston during their stay at Cape Cod. Dick Twardzik was the pianist. It may have been this one or a similar one.
August 2	Charlie Parker Midtown, St. Louis, MO. August 2–10, 1954.	“Band Routes,” Down Beat, August 11, 1954, 22.
August 13	Charlie Parker and His Band Lake Park Ballroom, Canobie Lake, Salem, N.H.	Ad in Boston Daily Record, August 13, 1954, 36: Charlie Parker this Friday. “Let’s Go Dancing,” Boston Daily Record, August 14, 1954, 14: “Sax-man Charlie Parker brought in his band last night.” Chan Parker [Richardson], My Life In E-Flat (1993), 48: Tells that Parker had a gig in Boston during their stay at Cape Cod. Dick Twardzik was the pianist. It may have been this one or a similar one. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 162: Has Parker at the Apollo New York the week of August 13. This is clearly a mistake. Ad in New York Age, August 14, 1954, 19: Gala week: Ruth Brown, Willis Jackson and His Hot Band; The Larks; Hines Kids; Pigmeat Markham; Edward Bros. I have found no evidence of a Parker engagement at the Apollo in 1954.
August 25	Down Beat 1954 Critic’s Poll Alto Sax 1. Charlie Parker 2. Benny Carter 3. Lee Konitz 4. Paul Desmond 5. Johnny Hodges 6. Willie Smith	“Basie Romps to Victory in Jazz Critic’s Poll,” Down Beat, august 25, 1954, 1, 7.
August 26	Charlie Parker with Strings Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop, Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d); Teddy Blume (vln); Unidentified (oboe, strings). Dizzy Gillespie Band Dinah Washington Birdland, NYC August 26–September 15. Parker is fired, probably on August 29. August 27: NBC network broadcast: In New York: WNBC: 8–10 p.m.; Hear America Swingin’. Unidentified (mc). Recordings exist.	“Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, August 28, 8: Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker. K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 55: Shows handbill with dates. “Charlie Parker Tries Suicide after Having Been Fired,” Jet, September 16, 1954, 56: Parker was fired from his engagement at Birdland because of erratic behavior on the stage. The camera girl of the club documented this. R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 16: Tommy Potter states that the firing was after a backstage drinking party at Birdland celebrating Parker’s and Dinah Washington’s common birthday on August 29. http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540827 The ending announcement of the surviving broadcast tells that this comes from the series “Hear America Swingin’.” This was an NBC network production, which was broadcast on Fridays 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. The program was probably edited and prerecorded. “Radio Program: Evening Highlights,” Bridgeport Post, August 27, 1954, 18: WNBC: 8–10: Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with Mandy Carson vocal; Buddy Morrow orchestra; Louis Armstrong All Stars; Charlie Parker with Strings; Woody Herman Orchestra.
August late/ September early	Charlie Parker Charlie Parker is scheduled to participate in a European tour with Birdland stars.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 164: Article from Melody Maker dated September 4 is shown.
August 30	Charlie Parker Charlie Parker attempts to commit suicide. Chan Parker [Richardson] has him transported to Bellevue Hospital, New York, NY.	Chan Parker (Richardson), My Life In E-Flat (1993), 48–49: Tells that Parker returned a day late from an out of town gig and rested before going to the Birdland engagement. Parker’s suicide attempt took place early in the morning after returning from Birdland. This indicates that it happened early in the morning after the opening night at Birdland. This is not consistent with other facts. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 164: Gives the date August 30 in the early morning for the incident. This is probably pure conjecture, but plausible considering that Monday was the day off at Birdland.
September	Charlie Parker Release of Mercury 11103. 10" 78 rpm. record. Recorded August 8, 1951. Charlie Parker Quintet Mercury 11103 A Si Si Mercury 11103 B Swedish Schnapps	“Wax Works,” Tampa Bay Times, September 26, 1944, Sunday, 20. Review mentioning this record. “Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, October 20, 1954, 16: Both sides: 3 stars (good).
September 1	Charlie Parker Charlie Parker is admitted to the Psychiatric Division at Bellevue Hospital, New York, NY. September 1-10.	R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 42: Here it is stated that Parker was there September 1–10. The source is the Hospital journal.
September	Chan Parker Chan Parker [Richardson] moves to New Hope, PA., with her children, while parker is at Bellevue. Charlie Parker occasionally lives there after having left Bellevue. September early, 1954.	Chan Parker (Richardson), My Life In E-Flat (1993), 50–51.
September 25	Birdland Stars of '54 Sarah Vaughan Count Basie Including Frank Foster (ts) and Frank Wess (ts). Billie Holiday Charlie Parker & Wild Bill Davis Trio Lester Young Modern Jazz Quartet Milt Jackson (vib); John Lewis (p); Percy Heath (b); Kenny Clarke (d). Carnegie Hall, NYC. Bob Garrity (mc). Recordings exist.	“Sarah, Billy to Headline Jazz Show at Carnegie,” Pittsburgh Courier, September 25, 1954, 16. “Jazz Concert Review,” Down Beat (partly shown in K. Vail, Bird's Diary (1996), 165.): Parker was not at his best. “Birdland Group Brings Fine Layout to Carnegie Hall but B.O.’s Off,” Variety, September 29, 1954, 47: Parker had an off night. http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=540925
September 26	Birdland Stars of '54 Sarah Vaughan Count Basie Incl. Frank Foster (ts), Frank Wess (ts) Billie Holiday Roy Hamilton Charlie Parker Lester Young Wild Bill Davis Modern Jazz Quartet Boston Arena, Boston, MA. 3:30 and 8:30 p.m.	Ad in Boston Herald, September 24, 1954, 42. “Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, November 3, 1054, 18: mentions Charlie Parker at this concert. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 165: Claims that a review does not mention Parker.
September 28	European Tour Sarah Vaughan Charlie Parker Illinois Jacquet UK, Germany, and other European countries. September 28-?. Harold Davison (prod). Parker’s participation is not realized.	“Vaughan, Jacquet, Parker Will Entertain GIs in Europe,” Pittsburgh Courier, September 18, 1954, 16. K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 166: Coleman Hawkins replaces Parker No source given.
September 28	Charlie Parker Charlie Parker recommits himself to the Psychiatric Division at the Bellevue Hospital, New York, NY. He stays there until October 15.	R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 42: The source is the Hospital journal.
October 30	Concert Charlie Parker Sonny Rollins Art Farmer Thelonious Monk Horace Silver Hal Overton Jimmy Raney Addison Farmer Art Taylor Gigi Gryce Will Bradley Jr. Teddy Kotick Phil Woods Mike Mattos Willie Jones Town Hall, New York, NY. 8:30 p.m. Bob Reisner (prod). Great Moderns in Jazz.	Ad in New York Amsterdam News, October 30, 1954, 26.
November	JATP Concert Release of Norman Granz Jazz Concert #1 Norgran MG JC#1. 2 12” LP album. Recorded September 16, 1950. MG JC#1. Side 1 JATP group Norgran Blues Lady Be Good MG JC#1. Side 2 JATP group. Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance Indiana MG JC#1. Side 3 Recorded September 16, 1950. Charlie Parker with Strings What Is This Thing Called Love April in Paris Repetition Easy to Love I’ll Remember April Oscar Peterson Trio GAI Padovani Ray’s Blues MG JC#1. Side 4 Coleman Hawkins Quartet Yesterdays Hawk’s Tune Stuffy Buddy Rich Trio Carnegie Blues (Flying Home)	“Reviews and Ratings of New Popular Albums: Jazz,” Billboard, November 27, 1954, 24: Rating: 78 (good). “Jazz Reviews,” Down Beat, January 26, 1955: 4 stars (very good).
November 21	Concert Charlie Parker Open Door, New York, NY. 9 p.m. Bob Reisner (prod).	“Jazz by 'Bird' Parker,” Villager, November 18, 1954,?
December 10	Charlie Parker Quintet Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop, Jr. (p); Billy Bauer (g); Teddy Kotick (b); Arthur Taylor (d). Fine Sounds Studio, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Mercury.	http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=541210
December 13	Charlie Parker Blue Note Philadelphia, PA. December 13-18.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 167: No source is given.
December late?	Charlie Parker Parker moves in at the lodgings of Ahmed Basheer at Barrow Street in Greenwich Village. The Poet Ted Joans also live here. Basheer becomes his personal adviser and manager for the last months of his life.	Ahmed Basheer in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 38–41. Ted Joans in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 116–20.
December late	Charlie Parker Le Club Downbeat, New York, NY.	K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 167: source: Ross Russell. This is probably a mistake. Parker played here in January 1953. I have found no traces of jazz at Le Club Downbeat after May 9, 1953.
December late or early 1955	Charlie Parker Interviewed by Dick Meldonian and unidentified person. Dick Meldonian’s apartment, New York, NY. Tape recording by Dick Meldonian exists.	http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=550000
December 20	Down Beat 1954 Band Poll Alto Sax 1. Charlie Parker 2. Paul Desmond 3. Lee Konitz 4. Bud Shank 5. Johnny Hodges 6. Benny Carter 7. Art Pepper 8. Wille Smith	“Sinatra Grabs Two ’54 Poll Spots,” Down Beat, December 20, 1, 7, 8.