Charles Mingus was born in Nogales, Arizona in 1922, but spent most of his childhood years in the Watts area of Los Angeles. He tried playing the trombone and the cello before finally settling on the bass. Mingus was influenced by gospel music at a early age. His family attended church regularly and his mother only allowed church music in the home. He was also influenced by Duke Ellington. Mingus was also an accomplished pianist.

Mingus was classically trained. He said that jazz got in the way of his classical pursuits.

This performance is from the Umbria Jazz Festival in 1974.