Charlie Parker Popular Song Rankings [2025]

OrnithologyCharlie Parker8rank/position

Ornithology

Named in honor of Charlie Parker’s nickname “Bird,” this piece is known as a landmark of bebop jazz.

First recorded on March 28, 1946, it epitomizes Parker’s innovative approach, captivating listeners with its complex melodic lines and rhythmic challenges.

By setting a new melody over the existing chord progression of “How High the Moon,” it expanded the possibilities of jazz and influenced countless musicians.

Recognized as a pivotal work in jazz history, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989.

Demanding high technical proficiency, this piece is recommended not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for anyone seeking new frontiers in music.

SummertimeCharlie Parker9rank/position

Summertime

This rendition of Summertime, featuring the legendary alto saxophonist Charlie Parker with strings, was originally composed by Gershwin as the theme song for the opera Porgy and Bess.

Although this dark-toned piece is often performed at a fast tempo, Parker plays it as a faithful and beautiful ballad without drastically altering the original.

Yardbird SuiteCharlie Parker10rank/position

Charlie “Bird” Parker – Yardbird Suite

Together with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, he created the “bebop style,” considered the prototype of modern jazz.

Though his life was short—just 34 years—Charlie Parker, known as “Bird,” revolutionized the jazz scene with his genius for improvisation.

Parker was not only an unparalleled player but also wrote several classic compositions.

This time, let’s introduce Yardbird Suite, which Parker composed in 1946.

Known in Japanese as “Yardbird Kumikyoku,” this piece is regarded as a quintessential bebop classic and has been covered by many artists as a jazz standard.

The title, which combines Parker’s nickname “Yardbird” with the classical music term “suite,” is quite unique, isn’t it? The piece uses the so-called 32-bar AABA form, and many people have likely tackled it as an exercise piece when practicing jazz improvisation.

Incidentally, Bob Dorough—known as a pianist and singer-songwriter—included a vocal cover of Yardbird Suite, with lyrics he wrote himself, on his 1956 album Devil May Care.

The lyrics convey profound respect for Parker, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out!

ConfirmationCharlie Parker11rank/position

Charlie Parker – “Confirmation”

This piece was composed by Charlie Parker, the alto saxophonist known for establishing the bebop style in jazz.

Among jazz musicians, it’s so famous that a parody titled “I know it, but I can’t play Confirmation” was made—yet it’s also considered a notoriously difficult tune to perform satisfactorily.

In addition, recording and playback technology at the time could only handle about three minutes, so only short recordings remain, but surely there were longer, masterful performances unfolding in jazz clubs.

A Night In TunisiaDizzy Gillespie ft. Charlie Parker12rank/position

Dizzy Gillespie feat. Charlie Parker – A Night In Tunisia

A composition created by American jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

It has become one of the jazz standards.

This version is a collaboration with jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker and was sampled in Action Bronson’s 2011 track “Get Off My P.

P.”

A Night In TunisiaCharlie Parker13rank/position

Miles Davis & Charlie Parker – A Night In Tunisia

A track featuring the father of bebop technique—nicknamed Bird (Charlie)—and Miles playing together.

It’s said that it took a lot of trial and error before “bebop,” where you break down chords and reconstruct them while swinging during your solos, was born.

Things got so chaotic at times that, depending on who you ask, there were even incidents like the drummer throwing a cymbal at him—or maybe not.

White ChristmasCharlie Parker14rank/position

Charlie Parker – White Christmas (Live jazz, 1948), XR remastered

Charlie Parker was an American alto saxophonist and composer.

Here is a Christmas tune performed by the man whose playing had a profound impact on the history of jazz.

Known as “Bird,” he left behind this remarkable performance from a Christmas live show in 1948.