Jazz King Dizzy Gillespie is Cheraw's most famous son. Born in Cheraw, South Carolina on Oct. 21, 1917, he was the ninth and last child of James and Lottie Gillespie. His given name was John Birks Gillespie, and many of his old friends still refer to him as John Birks. In his autobiography Dizzy says, "In Cheraw mischief, money making and music captured all my attention."

Jazz King Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) virtuoso trumpeter, composer and founder of modern jazz is now playing a long term gig in Cheraw. On the 85th anniversary of Gillespie's birth, the Town of Cheraw dedicated a seven foot bronze statue of Gillespie playing his trademark bent horn on the Town Green. The statue was designed by nationally acclaimed artist Ed Dwight of Denver. Relief inscriptions at the base chronicle highlights of Gillespie's extraordinary musical career. A brochure detailing sites associated with his life in Cheraw is available from the Cheraw Visitors Bureau.

For more information contact tourism@cheraw.com or call 843-537-8420.

Tax deductible contributions can be sent directly to the following address:

Dizzy Gillespie Memorial
C/O Town of Cheraw
P.O. Box 219


Cheraw, South Carolina 29520

May 2001
Website comments & inquiries contact: webmaster