Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt was a Sinto Gypsy jazz guitarist and composer from Belgium. One of the first jazz musicians born in Europe, Reinhardt remains a great influence upon, and inspiration to, jazz guitar players.

Fast Facts

1. Name: Jean Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt
2. Born: January 23, 1910
3. Died: May 16, 1953
4. Years Active: 1928-1953
5. Two fingers of left (fret) hand paralyzed from age 18

Career

Reinhardt grew up playing violin first, then guitar, in a gypsy camp outside of Paris. A caravan fire in 1928 left him without the use of the fourth and fifth fingers on his left hand, but Reinhardt compensated by developing his own fingering system. Following his recovery, Reinhardt picked up where he had left off, playing in Parisian cafes. In 1934, Hot Club owner Pierre Nourry suggested Reinhardt team up with violinst Stephane Grappelli to form the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. The group was a riotous success and recorded for Ultraphone, Decca and HMV.

The second World War split the original quintet up, but Reinhardt continued performing with various configurations and eventually recording with American jazz musicians Mel Powell, Peanuts Hucko and Ray McKinley. In 1946, Reinhardt toured America as a soloist with Duke Ellington's band.

Reinhardt periodically reteamed with Grappelli through the late 40s and early 50s, but died tragically from a stroke in 1953.

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