When did Dizzy Gillespie learn to play the trumpet?

John Birks Gillespie (October 21, 1917–January 6, 1993), known as Dizzy Gillespie, was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer and singer. Often credited with pioneering bebop along with Charlie Parker, Gillespie was a major figure in jazz throughout his career.

Dizzy Gillespie began learning the trumpet at the age of 12. He first studied under his father, James Gillespie, who was a bandleader and trumpeter himself. Gillespie also took lessons from other local musicians and began playing professionally at the age of 15.