Nogales-born/Watts-raised Charles Mingus was only in his 50s when he died (of Lou Gehrig's disease) in 1979. He was a musical giant, a composer and band leader, one of the greatest jazz bassists of all times, as well as an outspoken campaigner for racial tolerance and justice. His music was always considered as challenging as it was powerful. He grew up listening to church music and "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" is practically a gospel composition.
