CMG will help market and protect Gillespie’s enduring legacy

CMG, the leader in marketing and managing the most famous names of the 20th Century, is excited to announce its licensing partnership this month with the estate of the legendary trumpeter, Dizzy Gillespie. Recently, the puffy-cheeked jazz innovator was honored on Google’s website with a “Google Doodle” on October 21st for what would have been the legend’s 93rd birthday. This honorable illustration of the jazz pioneer stirred up a lot of attention, especially on Twitter, where Gillespie was a trending topic. Gillespie, who died in 1993, at the age of 75, revolutionized the jazz world along with CMG client Charlie Parker. It was Gillespie who helped widen the reach of the fast paced and highly improvised tunes of bebop to the masses.

During the peak of his success, he played 300 shows a year and wrote hundreds of songs including jazz standards “A Night in Tunisia,” “Con Alma,” “Groovin’ High,” “Salt Peanuts,” and “Woody ‘N’ You.” In 1980, the trumpet virtuoso made a memorable appearance on The Muppet Show. During his lifetime, he received numerous musical awards and made 32 appearances at Carnegie Hall.

Mark A. Roesler, Chairman and Chief Executive of CMG, said: “Gillespie was truly a gifted improviser who added harmonic complexity to jazz. His beret, horn-rimmed glasses, pouched cheeks, scat singing, bent trumpet and jovial personality have left their imprint on all succeeding generations of jazz musicians. We are honored and humbled to represent and protect his timeless legacy.”

CMG is recognized as the predominant firm in the protection and marketing of the greatest music, entertainment, and sports personalities of the 20th Century. Included among these are the estates of Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, James Dean and Bettie Page, as well as celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Bill Elliott and Elvira. For more information, please visit www.CMGWorldwide.com.

If you are interested in licensing opportunities, please contact Samira Ali, Director of Licensing and Marketing, at 310-854-0062 or samira@cmgworldwide.com