How Dizzy Gillespie helped forge a new jazz era in America Dizzy Gillespie and his iconic trumpet -- with its turned up bell -- brought a new era of American jazz to a global audience. It's part of our 250th anniversary series America in Pursuit.

How Dizzy Gillespie helped forge a new jazz era in America

Dizzy Gillespie and his iconic trumpet — with its turned up bell — brought a new era of American jazz to a global audience. It's part of our 250th anniversary series America in Pursuit.

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

The signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago launched an enduring quest for life, liberty and happiness. To mark the anniversary, NPR is bringing you a series we call America in Pursuit, exploring culture, history and special objects representing American life.…