Gypsy Jazz Legend: Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt remains one of the world’s most celebrated and respected gypsy jazz
guitarists.  Born in Belgium in 1910, he grew up in a gypsy encampment just outside of Paris.  It was here that he discovered his talent for music at an early age.

His life and career were almost cut short when a tragic fire ripped through his family’s caravan leaving the aspiring musician with two partially paralyzed fingers.  He
would overcome this disability and develop a new style of playing that would become his signature sound.  

In 1934, Reinhardt formed the first all-string jazz band known as the Quintette du Hot Club de France alongside French violinist, Stephane Grappelli.  Many of these classic tracks are featured on the Classic Roots Jazz collection currently available from our sister label, DMusic Records.  Be sure to head here to check them out.

Today, many of Reinhardt’s compositions are widely considered to be jazz standards.

Christian Burke

April 2010