Thelonious Monk

Pianist and composer Thelonious Monk had a sound as distinctive as his name. Monk worked in the field of jazz, confusing some listeners with his unusual musical ideas, but thrilling those who value a unique perspective. Monk was born Oct. 10, 1917, and on this anniversary of his birth host David Garland offers recordings of Thelonious Monk himself, and various performances of his compositions, which seem to challenge and inspire musicians to search for their own unique perspectives.