It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie on January 6th, 1993, in Englewood, New Jersey at the age of 75. Dizzy was an internationally renowned jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and singer whose career spanned six decades of music. Born and raised in South Carolina, the self-taught musician transitioned from performing inOliver's Band in the 1930s to becoming a leader in the music world in the 1940s. He was responsible for the creativity and invention of influential and groundbreaking jazz styles, such as bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz. Dizzy was given many awards and honors in his lifetime for his outstanding achievements and contributions to jazz music including, a 1977 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a 1992 National Medal of Arts.He was also a recipient of the Polar Music Prize, a Member of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, and the country's highest honor, a Commander of France's Legion of Honor. A master of jazz music, Dizzy brought an unmistakable and joyously unique sound of his own creation to millions of fans. He profoundly altered the jazz scene by creating a sound full of life and energy. He shall be remembered for generations to come for his incredible and lasting influence on jazz music. He is survived by his son John Gillespie Jr., and daughter Catha Gillespie.