One of those songs was “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” The song was originally composed by Mingus as a tribute to his friend, the great tenor sax player Lester Young, “The Prez.” ...

In a musical genre known for its outsiders and nonconformists, bassist-bandleader Charles Mingus cut a larger-than-life figure with his stocky frame, forceful independence, and volcanic temper. He ...