Charlie Christian
Charlie Christian | |
|---|---|
Christian performing at the Waldorf Astoria New York, October 1939 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Henry Christian |
| Born | July 29, 1916 Bonham, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 1942 (aged 25) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1930s–1941 |
Charles Henry Christian (July 29, 1916 – March 2, 1942) was an American swing and jazz guitarist. He was among the first electric guitarists and was a key figure in the development of bebop and cool jazz. He gained national exposure as a member of the Benny Goodman Sextet and Orchestra from August 1939 to June 1941. His single-string technique, combined with amplification, helped bring the guitar out of the rhythm section and into the forefront as a solo instrument. For this, he is often credited with leading to the development of the lead guitar role in musical ensembles and bands.