10 Fascinating Facts About Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt’s life reads like a jazz composition: rich, dynamic, and full of improvisation. Born on January 23, 1910, in Liberchies, Belgium, he would go on to become one of the most influential guitarists in the history of jazz.

Raised in a Romani (Gypsy) community near Paris, Reinhardt was introduced to music at a young age. His father played music in a traveling circus, and Django quickly picked up the banjo and later the guitar. Despite never receiving formal training, his natural talent and relentless practice led him to master the instrument.