What’s in a name? While there are many famous Djangos in the world (like British big band leader Django Bates, or Quentin Tarantino’s film Django Unchained), ours celebrates the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, born in January, 1910.

 

Known as the founder of “Gypsy Jazz” (or “jazz manouche”), Reinhardt’s playing has influenced generations of musicians, from jazz guitar masters like Wes Montgomery to rock icon Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and more.

 

Born in Belgium, Reinhardt grew up in France and was intrigued with music at an early age, performing professionally by the time he was 15. But Reinhardt’s signature, solo guitar style was actually born out of tragedy, when the fourth and fifth fingers on his left hand were badly burned in a fire. The crippling injury led him to develop a singular, sliding sound that had never been heard before, and one that would make him one of the most sought-after musicians in Europe. Later in the 1930s, Reinhardt joined forces with violinist Stéphane Grappelli to found the Quintette du Hot Club de France, one of the very first all-string jazz ensembles. Their songs “Minor Swing,” “Daphne,” and “Dinah” are still cited by Gypsy Jazz musicians around the globe as the foundation of the genre’s sound.

 

Later in his life, Reinhardt toured the United States with Duke Ellington, adding to his legend as a musician with near limitless abilities. And while he died young at the age of just 43, legions of musicians still trace their inspiration back to him – from straight-ahead virtuosos like Joe Pass and Pat Metheny, modern Gypsy Jazz proponent Biréli Lagrène and rock royalty like Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck.

 

This month, we celebrate our namesake and his spirit of innovation, imagination and unabashed swing. Take a listen to some of his most storied recordings on Spotify and Happy Birthday, Django!