Smithsonian Museum

National Museum of American History

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 in the late 1970s - early 1980s. Its uniquely shaped upturned bell was Gillespie's internationally known trademark.

Location

Currently not on view

Owner

Gillespie, Dizzy

Used By

Gillespie, Dizzy

Maker

King Musical Instruments

Date Made

1977

Credit Line

Gift of Lorraine Gillespie

Physical Description

brass (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 17 in x 11 in x 5 in; 43.18 cm x 27.94 cm x 12.7 cm

case: 52.5 cm x 36.6 cm x 16 cm; 20 21/32 in x 14 13/32 in x 6 5/16 in

Object Type

trumpet

See more items in

Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments

Music & Musical Instruments

Popular Entertainment

Place Made

United States: Ohio, Eastlake

ID Number

1986.0003.01

Catalog Number

1986.0003.01

Accession Number

1986.0003

Serial Number

673792

Related Publication

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