Charlie Rouse, a musician with a distinct tone and a fluid, bop-oriented style, was part of Thelonious Monk’s Quartet for more than a decade (1959-1970). He was, though somewhat taken for granted by Monk, an integral part of his music. Rouse was a modern musician and worked with Billy Eckstine (1944), and the first Dizzy Gilespie big band (1945). He made his recording debut in 1947 with Tadd Dameron. Rouse was a member of many important groups, including Duke Ellington’s Orchestra (1949-1950), Count Basie (1950), Clifford Brown’s octet (1953), and Oscar Pettiford (1955). After a decade of extensive touring, and recording, he joined Monk as a member of the Jazz Modes (1956-1959). He recorded a few albums in the 1970s as a leader and was made a member by Sphere in 1979. In the 1980s, Charlie Rouse’s distinctive sound was finally recognized. He was a part of Carmen McRae’s Carmen Sings Monk classic album, and his final recording was at a Monk tribute concert. Allmusic
