Charlie Christian

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 early adoption of the electric guitar, helped bring the guitar out of the rhythm section and into the forefront as a solo instrument. For this, he is often credited with pioneering the development of the lead guitar role.

Similar Artists

Benny Goodman

Duke Ellington

Fats Waller

Count Basie

Erroll Garner

Roy Eldridge

Lester Young

Jelly Roll Morton

Sidney Bechet

Oscar Peterson

Johnny Hodges

Woody Herman

Fletcher Henderson

Django Reinhardt

Gerry Mulligan

Lionel Hampton

Wynton Marsalis

Artie Shaw

Illinois Jacquet

Earl Hines