Thelonious Monk (1917–1982), pianist-composer, rewired jazz with jagged melodies, crunchy harmonies and a percussive, space-savvy touch. An early bebop architect at Minton’s, he wrote enduring standards—“’Round Midnight,” “Blue Monk,” “Straight, No Chaser,” “Epistrophy.” His long-running quartet with Charlie Rouse became definitive. Essential albums include Brilliant Corners and Monk’s Dream.