Django Reinhardt - Father of Jazz Guitar

A bit of trivia for you: Who pioneered - composed and performed - jazz guitar (also known as hot jazz guitar) and whose history was as rich as his music?

Jean Django (pronounced Zhãgo) Reinhardt was born January 23, 1910 in Liberchies, Pont-à-Celles, Belgium, decended from a long line of Romani gypsy musicians. His childhood was spent making music around the campfire with the family caravan. The violin was Reinhardt's first instrument, but he quickly segued to the banjo-guitar, under the influence of Gusti Mahla and Jean "Poulette" Castro.

At 18, Reinhardt was seriously injured in a fire and doctors believed he would not walk again, much less play an instrument, but Reinhardt proved them wrong. He recovered and moved on from the banjo-guitar to the guitar proper and was greatly influenced by Louis Armstrong (they later performed together) and partnered with violinist Stéphane Grappelli. The two would jam informally and eventually brother Joseph and Louis Vola joined in and formed Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934.

Once World War II broke out, Reinhardt (who had been touring in the UK) returned to France and had later made many attempts to leave occupied France. His presence in France was tenuous - the Nazis did not approve of jazz. Once the war ended, Reinhardt came to the US as a guest soloist for Duke Ellington. The tour was successful-so much so that Reinhardt performed two nights at Carnegie Hall (with six curtain calls).

Reportedly, Reinhardt had difficulty adjusting to "modern" life and ultimately returned to France and his Romani life.

It was tough in selecting just a couple of samples of Reinhardt's work. But the first selection - Minor Swing - seems to epitomize all that is Django Reinhardt. Enjoy!