Charlie Parker was born on August 29, 1920 in Kansas City, Kansas. At age 7, Parker moved with his parents to Kansas City, Missouri. At the time, the city was a lively center for African-American music, including gospel, blues, and jazz. Parker had taken music lessons at school, later discovering his love for music. He played the baritone horn in the school band. By the time Parker was 15, the saxophone became the instrument of his choice. Parker started playing with bands on the local club scene while he was still in school. He loved playing the saxophone so much that in 1935, he decided to drop out of school in pursuit of a full-time musical career. During Parker’s short life, he was one the most important people within the jazz industry.