Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Sphere Monk (October 10, 1917 – February 17, 1982) was an American jazz pianist and composer. He had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire. Monk played stride piano in the style of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, and Eubie Blake. His music was influential in the development of bebop.