Charlie Christian

Charlie Christian
Christian performing at the Waldorf Astoria New York, October 1939
Background information
Birth name	Charles Henry Christian
Born	(1916-07-29)July 29, 1916 Bonham, Texas, U.S.
Died	March 2, 1942(1942-03-02) (aged 25) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz swing bebop
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.