The legendary pianist and composer Thelonious Monk made his earliest recordings as a leader for Blue Note in 1947–48, as heard on the 1956 12” compilation Genius of Modern Music Volume One (BLP 1510), released as part of the 1500 series and featuring timeless Monk compositions including “’Round Midnight,” “Ruby My Dear,” “In Walked Bud,” and “Well You Needn’t.”