Description:
(Musician)
Jean Reinhardt, popularly known as Django Reinhardt, was a Belgian-born Romani French jazz guitarist and composer. Counted amongst the greatest musicians of the twentieth century, he was one of the most influential jazz artists to have emerged from Europe. The son of a musician, Reinhardt toured the US from an early age with Duke Ellington’s orchestra. He developed his own unique and unconventional musical technique, which eventually made him a legend in the history of music. Born with inborn musical skills, he was mostly self-taught. He is remembered for many compositions, such as ‘Minor Swing’, ‘Belleville’, ‘Swing 42’, and ‘Nuages’. According to jazz guitarist Frank Vignola, almost every one of the world’s major guitarists have been influenced by Reinhardt. Due to the massive popularity which he earned over the course of his career, every year Django festivals are held across the US and Europe. A French film based on his life—titled ‘Django’—was also released recently. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2017.
Birthday
January 23, 1910 (Aquarius)
Born In
Belgium
Alternative names
Jean Reinhardt
Died on
May 16, 1953
Parents
Jean Eugene Weiss
Laurence Reinhardt
Children
Babik Reinhardt, Henri Baumgartner
Relatives
Joseph Reinhardt
What style of music is Django Reinhardt known for?
Django Reinhardt is known for being a pioneer of the jazz genre, particularly for his contributions to Gypsy jazz.
What was Django Reinhardt's unique approach to playing the guitar?
Django Reinhardt was known for his innovative two-fingered guitar technique, as he suffered from a severe injury to his left hand which limited his mobility.
How did Django Reinhardt contribute to the development of jazz music?
Django Reinhardt's blending of traditional jazz with Gypsy musical influences helped to create a unique and influential sound in the jazz world.
What impact did Django Reinhardt have on future generations of musicians?
Django Reinhardt's playing style and musical innovations continue to inspire guitarists and jazz musicians around the world, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.
What are some notable compositions by Django Reinhardt?
Some of Django Reinhardt's most famous compositions include "Minor Swing," "Nuages," and "Djangology," which have become jazz standards and are still widely performed today.