King B-Flat Trumpet, used by Dizzy Gillespie

Description:

This custom–made "Silver Flair" trumpet belonged to renowned trumpeter, bandleader, and composer John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, a founder of the modern jazz style known as bebop. Renowned for his musical virtuosity and for his impish good humor and wit, Gillespie played this trumpet from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Its uniquely shaped upturned bell was Gillespie's internationally known trademark.

Date Made: 1977

Owner: Gillespie, DizzyUser: Gillespie, DizzyMaker: King Musical Instruments

Place Made: United States: Ohio, Eastlake

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Popular Entertainment

Exhibition: Entertainment Nation

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Related Publication: Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History

Credit Line: Gift of Lorraine Gillespie

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1986.0003.01Catalog Number: 1986.0003.01Accession Number: 1986.0003Serial Number: 673792

Object Name: trumpet

Physical Description: brass (overall material)organic material (shell) (overall material)Measurements: overall: 17 in x 11 in x 5 in; 43.18 cm x 27.94 cm x 12.7 cmcase: 52.5 cm x 36.6 cm x 16 cm; 20 21/32 in x 14 13/32 in x 6 5/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-9847-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_606128

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.