Dizzy Gillespie's Home In Corona Considered For Landmark Status

QUEENS — The residence of the renowned jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie in Corona could soon be considered a city landmark after a community push started over seven years ago.

NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission voted on Tuesday to calendar the building located at 105-19 37th Ave. for landmark consideration.

The vote comes after the Corona East Elmhurst Historical Preservation Society launched a petition in 2015 to begin the process of landmarking the home of jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie.

"Corona East Elmhurst, with its rich history and significant traditions is in jeopardy of becoming that negligible factor in the thought of the world," reads the petition. "This means that this community, which is the gateway to New York City is under siege and may forever be changed."

The three-story home in Corona housed Gillespie from 1953 until about 1965, stationing the legendary musician near the home of Louis Armstrong.

John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, born in 1917, supposedly organized rehearsals in the basement studio of his residence, where he congregated many jazz musicians.

Gillespie is best known as the co-founder of the jazz style bepop with Charles Parker. Some of his best hits include “Groovin’ High,” “Salt Peanuts” and “A Night in Tunisia.”