1938	Charlie Parker Chronology
	Created by Leif Bo Petersen	Last updated: December 15, 2024.
Date	Event	References/Further Details
January 10	Charlie Parker Charlie and Rebecca's son, Leon Francis Parker, is born.	C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 27–28.
February 18	Buster Smith’s Melodymakers Buster Smith (as); Odell West (ts); Emile Williams (p); Charles "Crook" Goodwin (g & voc); Billy Hadnott (b, v); unidentified (d). The band was sometimes expanded to 12 pieces. Lucille's Paradise, Kansas City, MO. February 18– Charlie Parker joins the Smith band at Lucille’s.	Ad in Kansas City Call, February 18, 1938, 13: Playing nightly “Buster Smith and Band to Lucille’s Paradise,” Kansas City Call, February 18, 1938, 13: gives personnel. Buster Smith in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 214-15: gives no exact dating. States that Parker was with him for two years. C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 27–28: dates spring 1938 for Parker joining the band.
April 11	Count Basie and His Orchestra Including Jimmy Rushing (voc). Tommy Douglas’s Aristocrats of Rhythm Buster Smith Orchestra Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO. 8 p.m.–2 a.m. 9–10:30: Douglas and Smith orchestras, Homecoming Dance presented by Musicians Relief Association.	Ad in Kansas City Call, April 8, 1938, 10. “A Hot Welcome Home,” Kansas City Times, April 12, 1938, 11. C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 30-31.
May 12	Buster Smith’s Merry-Makers Wyandotte Hall, Kansas City, MO. 8 pm–? (Gobs Club (prod).	Ad in Kansas City Call, May 6, 1938, 12.
May 14	Vine Street Varieties Buster Smith Orchestra Lincoln Theater, Kansas City, MO. This show was broadcast by station WHB, Saturday afternoon 3–4 p.m.	“All-Negro Radio Hour Saturday, Kansas City Call, May 13, 1938, 9.
June 11	Buster Smith Orchestra Wildwood Lakes June 11–?, 1938.	Ad in Kansas City Star, June 11, 1938, 7: Tonight only; Buster Smith and his Colored All Stars. “Crowds to Wildwood,” Kansas City Star, June 12, 1938, 3D: Buster Smith replacing Clayton Harburg and His orchestra for a few days.
June late	Buster Smith Orchestra Orville Minor (tp); Buster Smith, Charlie Parker (as); Odell West (ts); Harry Taylor (p); Bill Smith (b): Bill Nolan (d, voc). Antler's Club, Kansas City, MO. June ?–early July.	“Notes from the Night Clubs,” Kansas City Journal-Post, July 9, 1938, 5: Buster smith moves in at Antler’s Club. “Red & Isham Do Poorly in KC,” Down Beat, August 1938, 24: gives the personnel. Buster Smith in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 214-15. C. Haddix, Bird —The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 31.
July early	Buster Smith Orchestra Buster Smith leaves for New York, and leaves the band to Odell West and Charlie Parker, but it quickly falls apart.	Buster Smith in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 214-15. C. Haddix, Bird –The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 32.
July late	Jay McShann Band Probably: Billy Smith (tp); Edward Popeye Hale replaced by Charlie Parker (as); William Scott (ts, arr); Jay McShann (p); Gene Ramey (b); Jesse Price (d, voc); Selma Long (voc). All Star Floor Show Club Continental, Kansas City, MO. July late-October 20.	“Jay McShann band at Continental Club,” Kansas City Journal- Post, July 30, 1938, 7 Ad in Kansas City Star, September 17, 1938, 7. Ad in Kansas City Times, October 15, 1938, 26. “J. Dorsey to Stage Rhythm Rodeo in K. C.” Down Beat, September 1938, 27: William Scott (ts, arr). “Stewart Band at Continental,” Kansas City Journal-Post, October 22, 7: Dee Stewart’s band replaced McShann at the Continental last night. C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 34–35: States that Parker did not join the band until October.
November 2	Jay McShann Orchestra Billy Smith (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Bob Mabane (ts, voc); William Scott (ts, arr); Jay McShann (p); Gene Ramey (b); Jesse Price (d); voc); Selma Long (voc). Clair Martin’s Plaza Tavern (Kansas City, MO). November 2–December 31.	“Jay McShann Band into Plaza Nitery,” Kansas City Journal, October 31, 1939, 5: will open Wednesday (November 2) Ad in Kansas City Star, November 4, 1938, 22: Jay McShann and his seven-piece band at the Plaza. Ad in Kansas City Star, November 11, 1938, 23: Jay McShann and his band at the Plaza. “Selma Long Clicks,” Kansas City Journal, November 14, 1938, 9: Selma Long (voc); William Scott, Charlie Parker, Jay McShann (arr). Ad in Kansas City Star, November 18, 1938, 28: Jay McShann and his band at the Plaza. “McShann and Lee Click,” Kansas City Journal, November 19, 1938, 5: gives the McShann personnel. Ad in Kansas City Journal, December 31, 1938, 7. C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 37: Parker left McShann late November.
November	Jam sessions Kangaroo, Kansas City, MO. Thursday afternoon jam sessions organized by students from the University of Kansas City.	C. Haddix: “Bird at the Jelly Joint,” Jam, August/September 2015, 6–8, 21.
November 11	Jay McShann Orchestra Harlan Leonard's Rockets Walter Brown (voc) Earl Coleman (voc) Rubye Rachelle (voc) Gold Crown Tap Room, Kansas City, MO. Band Battle.	Ad in Kansas City Call, November 11, 1938, 13: featuring Jesse Price, the Mad Drummer and Little Charlie Parker, saxophonist. “Harlan Leonard’s Band to Be Feted at Gold Crown,” Kansas City Call, November 11, 1938, 13. C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 36.
December 4	Harlan Leonard's Rockets Probably: Jimmy Ross (tp, voc); William Smith, unidentified (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Darwin Jones (as, voc); Freddie Culliver, James Keith (ts); Rozell Claxton (p), Effergee Ware (g); Walter Williams (b); Ed Philips (d); Harlan Leonard (dir). Kansas City, MO Dance	Harlan Leonard to give first December Dance,” Kansas City Call, December 2, 1938, 8: mentions William Smith and Walter Williams as newcomers. “Leonard Makes Changes, “ Kansas City Call, December 9, 1938, 16: mention three newcomers, William Smith, Winston Williams, and Charley [sic] Barry (as). C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 37.
December 9	Harlan Leonard's Rockets Pittsburgh, PA.	“Leonard Makes Changes, “ Kansas City Call, December 9, 1938, 16: engagement in Pittsburgh tonight.
December 16	Harlan Leonard's Rockets Yancey Hall, Brookfield, MO.	“Local negroes Enjoy Large Social Evening,” Brookfield Argus, December 17, 1938, 4.
December 17	Vine Street Varieties Prince Zulong Jesse Price and His Orchestra Sleepy Tomlin (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Odell West (ts); Rozell Claxton (p); Winston Williams (b); Jesse Price (d, dir). Gloria Payne Little Buck Jr. Rabbit and Ruffin and others Lincoln Theater, Kansas City, MO. Mid December. Station WHB show, 3–4 pm.	Ad in Kansas City Call, December 16, 1938, 9, “Prince Zulong in Return to V.S.V. Hour,” Kansas City Call, December 16, 1938, 9. “Radio Programs,” Kansas City Journal, December 17, 1938, 5.
December 24	Vine Street Varieties Harlan Leonard's Rockets Frank Thompson-Marian Van Buren (dance) Little Buck-Mazel Morgan-Julius McLaurian (voc) Rabbit and Ruffin and others Lincoln Theater, Kansas City, MO. Station WHB show, 3–4 pm.	“Rockets to V.S.V. Hour This Saturday,” Kansas City Call, December 23, 1938, 9. “Radio Programs,” Kansas City Journal, December 25, 1938, 5.
December 25	Harlan Leonard's Rockets William Smith (tp); James Ross (tp, voc); Richmond Henderson (?); Charlie Parker (as); Darwin Jones (as, voc); James Keith, Freddie Culliver (ts); Rozell Claxton (p); Effergee Ware (g); Winston Williams (b); Ed Philips (d); Harlan Leonard (dir). Dreamland Hall, Kansas City, MO. 9–2 am. Christmas Dance.	Ad in Kansas City Call, December 23, 1938; 9: 12 Pieces. Mentioned: Winston Williams (b), Charlie Parker (as), Darwin Jones (voc) and James Ross (voc). “Harlan Leonard’s band to give Dance Xmas Night,” Kansas City Call, December 23, 9: gives the full personnel.
December 27	Harlan Leonard's Rockets Kansas City, MO. Dance. Beau Brummel Club (Prod).	“Beau Brummels Contribute to Holiday Spirit,” Kansas City Call, January 6, 1939, 5.