Deep Deuce in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Charles “Bird” Christopher Parker Jr.

August 29, 1920 - March 12, 1955

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

1. Charles “Bird” Christopher Parker Jr. Marker

Inscription. One of the nation's most famous musicians, “Bird” Parker was born in Kansas City, the son of traveling song and dance man. He began playing the sax at age of 12, joined his first band at 14, and turned professional at 15 as a member of the Deans of Swing. He had a unique jazz style, was recognized as a genius of musical improvisation and almost single handedly revolutionized the jazz world by perfecting the style known as “bebop”. He played on NE Second Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical date for this entry is August 29, 1920.

Location. 35° 28.182′ N, 97° 30.453′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Deep Deuce. It is at the intersection of North Central Avenue and Northeast 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south on North Central Avenue. Marker is embedded in the sidewalk at the northwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 N Central Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central

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Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. William Lewis Haywood (a few steps from this marker); Charles (Charlie) A. Christian (a few steps from this marker); James (Jimmy) Andrew Rushing (a few steps from this marker); James “Doughbelly” Brooks (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Inman E. Page (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lyons Mansion (about 300 feet away); Dr. Frederick Douglas Moon (about 400 feet away); Dr. Wyatt H. Slaughter (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Also see . . .
1. Charlie “Bird” Parker. Although there are several legends concerning the origin of Parker’s nickname, most of them relate to his voracious appetite for chicken,

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

2. Charles “Bird” Christopher Parker Jr. Marker

which he called “yardbird.” Charlie’s bandmates started calling him “Yardbird,” and eventually shortened it to “Bird.” (Todd Barnett, in “Historic Missourians” series, State Historical Society of Missouri) (Submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Bird: Not Out Of Nowhere | Charlie Parker's Kansas City Legacy (YouTube). On the centennial of Charlie “Bird” Parker’s birth, Kansas City PBS is proud to present a documentary that looks back at the years Bird spent in Kansas City and his lasting legacy on the Kansas City jazz scene. "Bird: Not Out of Nowhere" features rarely seen archival footage of Parker, interviews with musicians and historians, and live performances from some of Kansas City’s most talented jazz musicians, including Chuck Haddix, Bobby Watson, Lonnie McFadden and Logan Richardson. (Kansas City PBS, uploaded Oct. 6, 2020) (Submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Charlie “Yardbird” Parker performing at Three Deuces, New York City image. Click for full size.

William P. Gottlieb; Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division via Flickr (Public Domain), circa August 1947

3. Charlie “Yardbird” Parker performing at Three Deuces, New York City

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.