(September 24, 1923-July 7, 1950)
Born in Key West, Florida
Birth name was Theodore Navarro
Jazz trumpeter
Played in the big bands of Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine and Andy Kirk
Recorded the albums The Fabulous Fats Navarro, Volumes 1 and 2 (1947-48)

In addition to plain 'Fats,' he was also called 'Fat Girl' for his baby face and high-pitched voice.
He was addicted to heroin.
Drug abuse and tuberculosis caused his playing to deteriorate.

He was of mixed Cuban, African and Chinese heritage.
He was one of the pioneers of bebop jazz.
Dizzy Gillespie called him 'the best all-around trumpeter of them all. He had everything a trumpeter should have: tone, ideas, execution and reading ability.'

Credit: C. Fishel

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