Famous jazz drummer T.S. Monk’s life changed forever in 1982 when his well-known jazz musician father, Thelonius Monk, died of a cerebral hemorrhage.

Already dealing with the pressures of having a famous parent, Monk now had to deal those who expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“He was a 20th century musical icon,” Monk told the Daily in the fall of ’97. “He is the father of modern jazz. He applied the harmonic foundation necessary for modern jazz. He was one of the fundamental architects of b-bop.”

Monk has since received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual “Recording of the Year” honor for “Monk on Monk,” a tribute album to his father.

The record is filled with huge jazz powerhouses, including Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Dave Holland, Herbie Hancock and Grover Washington Jr.

Along with his amazing percussion talent, Monk has picked up the skills of a bandleader, composer and vocalist over the course of his career, which began with an attraction to the drums before the age of 10.

After high school, Monk joined his father’s trio and toured with them through the early ’70s until his dad retired in 1975.

“I don’t think I’m unique because I’m his son,” Monk said. “In fact, I think I’m less unique than a lot of people who played with him. But I’m grateful for the enormity of his artistry.”

In the early ’80s, he wandered into the music genre that was snowballing in popularity at the time — R & B. He toured with a group and later teamed up with his sister Barbara to form his own band.

Seven years ago, after a long break from music, Monk formed his own jazz sextet which was well accepted from the moment it hit the road. It has since been featured on numerous TV specials and in concerts around the world.

“The philosophy behind the music is to study hard and find yourself,” Monk said. “There are a lot of things jazz musicians need to do in order to grow.”

Success for the sextet continued last year when it hooked up with a big-time orchestra and guest conductor while staging the largest show in the Ottawa International Jazz Festival’s history.

The two-and-a-half hour Canadian concert in front of a packed Confederation Park crowd is yet another indication of the legacy and fame that Monk brings to the stage.

The sextet, consisting of pianist Ronnie Matthews, bassist Gary Wang, alto saxophonist Bobby Porcelli, trumpet player and arranger Don Sickler and tenor saxophonist Willie Williams, will play its way through Ames tonight.

“Jazz is inclusive and multicultural while representing freedom to oppressed people,” Monk said. “It is as American as you can get.”

The Maintenance Shop shows for Monk and company are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $17, $13 for students.