Collection: Thelonious Monk

The American pianist Thelonious Monk (1917–1982) is considered one of the most authentic figures in jazz history. He started with classical piano studies and in the early 1940s became a key member of Minton's Playhouse, the birthplace of bebop, alongside artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

With his distinctive piano style, he developed a sound unlike any other. His recordings on Blue Note (1947–52) gave birth to masterpieces such as 'Round Midnight, Epistrophy, and Well You Needn't. Significant albums followed on Riverside, such as Brilliant Corners (1956), and on Columbia in the 1960s, with Monk's Dream and Criss-Cross.

Despite the difficulties he faced, his genius was internationally recognized, culminating in his appearance on the cover of Time magazine in 1964. His influence remains crucial for jazz.