Jean Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt (1910-1953), the Belgian guitarist, affected the course of American jazz and contemporary music long after his death. His characteristic style was rooted in Spanish classical guitar, but enhanced by improvisation and virtuosity.
Reinhardt was celebrated for his seemingly natural tone quality and elaborate expansions on the melody line. As jazz guitarists began to dominate the genre, many discovered the intimate acoustic-guitar sound of Reinhardt and have incorporated his ideas and compositions into their work.
Reinhardt, a gypsy, began with violin but turned to the guitar for rehabilitation of his left hand, which had been badly damaged in a caravan fire.
This circumstance dictated his unusual two-fingered technique, which was most effective in slower tempos. Reinhardt co-founded the Quintet of Le Hot Club de France in 1934, which performed extensively and recorded until 1939.
In 1946 he made his only U.S. tour, appearing with Duke Ellington's orchestra.