Thelonious Monk (1917–1982) was an influential American jazz pianist and composer known for his original improvisational style and impact on modern jazz. He wrote many now-classic pieces such as Round Midnight, Blue Monk, and Straight, No Chaser, becoming the second-most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. Monk's music stands out for its use of dissonance, angular melodies, and unexpected rhythms, featuring sharp chords, stride piano, and sudden bursts of silence. His unique personal style included sharp suits, hats, and sunglasses, and he was known for pausing mid-performance to dance while the band played on. Monk’s legacy includes being one of only five jazz musicians ever featured on the cover of Time magazine.