Jean Reinhardt, the son of a traveling entertainer, was known to the world by his Gypsy name “Django,” which means “I awake.” He grew up in a gypsy encampment just outside of Paris, performing as a young boy in the city’s dance halls.
After a caravan fire permanently mutilated his left hand at the age of 18, Django created a unique fingering technique using only his index and middle fingers.
Despite his handicap, Django became one of the greatest guitarists the world has ever known, and over 50 years after his death, his hauntingly romantic chords linger on, capturing the imagination of jazz aficionados and novices alike.
Tune in to hear more about the life and music of legendary Django Reinhardt with Michael Dregni, author of a new biography of the famous jazz guitarist.
Guests:
Michael Dregni, columnist, reviewer, and feature writer for Vintage Guitar magazine, and author of the new biography, “Django: The Life and Music of the Gypsy Legend.”
