Charles Christopher Parker Jr. was born on August 29, 1920 in Kansas City, Kansas to Charles and Addie Parker. Charlie led a lonely childhood which resulted from his parents separation in 1927 when Charlie was just 7 years old. His father was never around much following the separation. Their house however was just a short walk from Kansas City's entertainment district which attracted Charlie while growing up. This was to be where Charlie would find his place in the world.

While Charlie's mother was working, he would walk around Kansas City listening to jazz behind the clubs. Parker would sit around all night listening to his idol Lester Young perform along with the Count Bassie band. It was here that Charlie was developing his love for music and form this time on jazz would become his true life long love. By age 15 Charlie had fell in love with the alto saxophone and...