Charles Mingus General Information (Origin: Wikipedia) "Charles Mingus (22 April 1922 - 5 January 1979) was a bassist, composer, and occasionally jazz pianist. He was also known for his activism against racial injustice. Mingus is generally placed among the great names of jazz, recording several albums much appreciated by style lovers. Their melodies are not often re-recorded due to their unconventional nature. However, Mingus was also an influential and creative musician, inviting into his band talented and sometimes lesser-known artists, who he thought would have the characteristics needed to integrate it. He is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of jazz, alongside such names as Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington