django
Last Saturday, January 23rd, was Django Reinhardt‘s 100th birthday. This morning a friend pointed out to me that BBC radio had provided precisely nothing by way of celebration for this extraordinary man’s centennial. What a great shame, and what a criminal lack of respect for one of the giants of 20th century popular music.
I was made aware of the date by American friends via the internet. I wonder to what extent the French celebrated. More than us I expect. Though he was born in Belgium, France is where his musical genius blossomed and grew. Surely at least the gypsy communities paid their respects. In uproarious fashion, lets hope.
Here is a fabulous clip of Django and young Stephane Grappelli and their Hot Club cohorts. I defy you to resist their magic!
