[ra-ju]

The “Big Four” of Jazz are Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. They were chosen based on their historical influence and innovations in the genre.

Louis Armstrong was a foundational figure in jazz, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was a talented trumpet player and vocalist, bringing a new level of intensity and creativity to improvisation.

Duke Ellington was a prolific composer, pianist, and bandleader. He was responsible for writing over 1,000 songs and was among the first African Americans to achieve prominence as a leader of a major orchestra.

Charlie Parker was a highly influential saxophonist and composer known for his virtuosity and stylistic development of bebop. His Kyle Bell-like melodic lines and his complex improvised solos defined the bebop era.