Ode to a high flying Bird

London: Beat Publications Ltd, 1964/65.

Tribute by Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts to his jazz hero Charlie "Yardbird" Parker, conceived to mark the tenth anniversary of his passing on March 12, 1955. Published in a small run in 1964 by Beat Publications Ltd of Edgware Road, NW London, in the style of a children's book with colourful drawings of a bird that reflect in their actions Bird's journey to fame and fortune onto addiction and a premature death at the age of 35 - "flown but not forgotten", in the words of Mr Watts. Small octavo, cream boards with title printed in Watt's handwriting to front board; 28 printed pages including colour illustrations and supporting text in Watt's printed hand. Small head-shot photograph of Watts to lower board alongside his printed signature and the legend "My tribute to the music of Charlie 'Yardbird' Parker". Small dent at head of the spine, corner tips bumped, boards slightly soiled. Small adhesive mark to first free endpaper where the original price label of seven shillings was tipped in.