Thelonious Monk

02.22.1982

---

10.10.1917 - 02.17.1982

On October 10, 1917, i n Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Barbara Batts Monk and Thelonious Monk Sr. gave birth to their first son, Thelonious Sphere Monk. From an early age, young Thelonious emanated a special brilliance wherever he went. When the Monk family moved to New York City in 1923, the Fire Department o f New York recognized this brilliance and appointed him mascot o f Engine Company 40, Ladder Company 35. Thelonious remained proud of this appointment for his whole life, long after he gained fame for his great musical accomplishments.

“The piano ain’t got no wrong notes”

—Thelonious Monk