Chet Baker : NPR

Chet Baker was a gifted trumpeter and jazz icon. Keystone/Getty Images hide caption

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Keystone/Getty Images

A Blog Supreme

Born To Be Blue: Chet Baker In 5 Songs

March 25, 2016 • Baker's legacy may be debated, but his artistry shouldn't be. On the eve of a new biopic starring Ethan Hawke, here's an introduction to the trumpeter and vocalist.

Jazz Artists On Five Classic Pop-Rock Sides

The Saxophone Colossus (that's Sonny Rollins at left) played on The Rolling Stones' "Waiting on a Friend." Photo Illustration: Lars Gotrich/Photos: Rick Diamond/Getty Images, Miguel Palacios/Cover. hide caption

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Photo Illustration: Lars Gotrich/Photos: Rick Diamond/Getty Images, Miguel Palacios/Cover.

A Blog Supreme

Jazz Artists On Five Classic Pop-Rock Sides

WFIU

July 27, 2011 • Did you know that Sonny Rollins played on a Rolling Stones song? Hear that and other jazz cameos from famous pop-rock tracks.

Gabriela Camerotti via Flickr

Take Five: A Jazz Sampler

It's Over Now: Songs For Heartbreakers

WESA

February 8, 2010 • Lovey-dovey romantic types get all the attention on Valentine's Day. But not everyone wants to be in love right about now, and some relationships just happen to be hitting their expiration date this very minute. Listen to five songs that are perfect for those looking to break someone's heart.

West Coast Cool: The Jazz Sound Of '50s California

A classic West Coast jazz quartet: saxophonist Paul Desmond, drummer Joe Dodge, pianist Dave Brubeck, bassist Bob Bates. Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Take Five: A Jazz Sampler

West Coast Cool: The Jazz Sound Of '50s California

Jazz24

October 14, 2008 • As opposed to the hard-bop sound dominant on the East Coast during the '50s, the West Coast sound was a bit mellower and more lyrical, with blended harmonies and more interest in composition and arrangement than improvisation. In these five songs, you'll hear all the definitive aspects of the West Coast jazz sound.

iStockphoto.com

Take Five: A Jazz Sampler

Jazz For Summer's End

WESA

August 25, 2008 • As August ends, so do the carefree days of summer. School begins, recent vacations are a fond memory and the temperature begins its slow and steady descent. Don't be sad, though: As Labor Day Weekend approaches, these songs are here to bring summer to a close on a positive note.

Songs Of Love And Loathing

Forget Jewelry: Give Your Love Music

WESA

February 13, 2008 • Every year, Valentine's Day brings the same old sappy cards, chocolates, and heart-shaped jewelry — stuff that's nowhere near as special as retailers would have you believe. Why not impress your sweetheart with some music inspired by love instead?

Music

Wedding Day Blues: Finding the Perfect Mix CD

June 19, 2007 • Countless music fans have attempted to craft the perfect mix CD — just the thing to put a soundtrack on special occasions. But an hour of love-themed dinner music for a wedding reception isn't as easy to assemble as it may seem.

Wedding Day Blues: Finding the Perfect Mix CD

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Review

Music Reviews

Dizzy and Chet, a Jazz Odd Couple

May 23, 2005 • Musician and Day to Day contributor David Was reviews recordings by two trumpet players who had an odd relationship — Dizzy Gillespie and Chet Baker.

Dizzy and Chet, a Jazz Odd Couple

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