of "dizzy" and "bebop"
Among Otto von Bebop’s early inventions was a large-tube magnesium track frame filled with hydrogen, which he raced himself with some success. After a being seriously burned when a friend struck a match against his bicycle, Otto became a track coach and frame builder in the 1920’s. His star rider was a young John Birks Gillespie, who showed such prodigous talent that he was banned from competing at many tracks because, it was said, he circled the track so fast it made spectators “dizzy.” Although Gillespie quit cycling and took up the trumpet instead, the nickname stuck. Years latter Dizzy Gillespie returned the favor by naming his new music after his former mentor and friend.
9 months ago
