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Charlie Christian biography

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Quick Facts

  • NAME: Charlie Christian
  • OCCUPATION: Guitarist
  • BIRTH DATE: July 29, 1916
  • DEATH DATE: March 02, 1942
  • PLACE OF BIRTH: Bonham, Texas
  • PLACE OF DEATH: New York City, New York
  • Full Name: Charles Henry Christian

Best Known For

Charlie Christian was a pioneering electric jazz guitarist of the mid-20th century who would go on to greatly influence his successors.


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Born on July 20, 1916, in Texas, Charlie Christian grew up in a family of musicians and played piano and the amplified guitar. His guitar skills were such that in 1939 he earned a spot playing with Benny Goodman’s band and alongside greats like Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Christian died at 25 on March 2, 1942 from tuberculosis, yet became a pioneer of electric guitar playing.

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