Known as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz, Thelonious Sphere Monk has impacted every genre of music as a composer as well as a pianist. Originally a native of Rocky Mount, NC, Monk’s parents would soon move the family to New York City. Beginning piano lessons at an early age, Monk would evolve into a child prodigy. In 1936, Monk joined Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and a handful of other players and developed the style of jazz that came to be known as bebop.