Brand: United States Postal Service

THIS IS A COMPLETE PANE OF 20 stamps as pictured. ~ On September 16, 1995, in Monterey CA; the USPS honored ten of Jazz music's most influential performers, composers, and personalities. Jazz music is an American art form which evolved from a blend of African, Caribbean, Latin, and European rhythms. With the exception of Louis Armstrong, many Americans do not recognize the impact these individuals had on jazz. Several artists, such as Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, James P. Johnson, and Thelonious Monk, developed unique and innovative styles, raising jazz to new levels. Others, such as Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane, with their superb improvisational skills, brought new awareness to the tenor and soprano saxophone, making them important solo instruments. The others were honored simply because they were superb jazz musicians. Although pianist and songwriter Erroll Garner was never able to read or write music, he was able to play any song - even if he had heard it only once. Pianist-composer Eubie Blake, co-author of the hit Broadway musical "Shuffle Along," once told an interviewer he had written a couple of thousand pieces of music, but only 350 were ever published. And authorities agree that "Jelly Roll" Morton was an important composer, arranger, pianist, soloist, and bandleader. Honored for their unique contributions, each one of these individuals left their mark, forever influencing the flavor of jazz.

Features:

• Legends of American Music Series
• Collectible Postage Stamps