Django Reinhardt (b. Jean Baptiste Reinhardt, January 23, 1910, Liverchies, Belgium; d. May 16, 1953) began his career as a gypsy musician, who wandered through France and Belgium playing guitar, violin and banjo. In 1934 Reinhardt began working with violinist Stephane Grappelli and his band in France. They recorded over 200 songs and became internationally famous. In the late 1930s, Reinhardt began recording with American jazz stars, including Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter. In 1946 he began to tour and play with Duke Ellington. By the early 1950s, Reinhardt had toured extensively in America and was a superstar both as a musician and as a composer.
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