A Harlem New York native, Bud Powell was a founder of the bebop movement alongside Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus and Max Roach.  His brilliant piano style was the envy of many of his contemporaries.  Even Miles Davis acknowledged that Bud was "the best there was of all the bebop piano players."  Unfortunately, illness and tragedy cut short a career that promised to lead the music in new directions.  Bill Evans' assessment of Bud Powell: "He was in a class by himself."