[Dixielandjazz] Bird

[Len Nielsen]

According to Jay McShann whose comments were made in a video interview.
The band including Charlie Parker were travelling to various gigs on a
road trip when Parker made them stop to snatch a farmers chicken which
he took to their overnight boarding location and had cooked for supper.
His nickname immediately became "Yard Bird" which became shortened over
the years to "Bird". This interview was made during the filming of a
documentary on the Kansas City years. Charlie Parker was apparently very
young at the time.

Len Nielsen
        An interesting interview with Mr. G.  Thanks for the point. The
Charlie Parker-Yardbird story could very be be true. 
        that's the way that jazz guys come up with nicknames
        .

           Jim Beebe
         

 
For some reason which I can't put my finger (or any brain cells) on, I
always thought the "Yardbird" nickname came from the
fact that he spent some time in jail. I use the term "fact" very
loosely, because a quick search doesn't reveal any confirmation of
that, either.

Jerry Gordon, Troy, NY - Web master for
http://www.timesunion.com/communities/jazz