> In this the birthday month of our subject, it would
> be interesting to know what made you a fan.

I tried responding to this a couple of days ago but my
response never showed up. Too wordy? Anyhow, When I
was in my first two years of college (age 18 or 19),
and already very much interested in jazz and guitar, I
found the CL-652 lp in a music store. After hearing a
couple of tracks I was hooked on Charlie. That was
about 50 years ago, 1955 or 1956. From then on I
began buying any recordings that Charlie played on.
His influence helped me to comfortably jam with the
best local boppers. In discussing Charlie and his
influence on me, Redd Volkaert once said "He
influenced a lot of guys, whether they know it or
not." Very true.