Charlie Christian is regarded by many jazz historians as one of the major voices who shaped modern jazz in the early 1940s. Even though he tragically died before reaching his twenty-sixth birthday, his brilliant improvisations, phenomenal rhythmic drive, and blues-influenced guitar playing had already changed the course of jazz, and the guitar’s place in jazz, for all time.

The second (updated and expanded) edition of this book details the full importance of Charlie Christian’s brief life. Peter Broadbent, a talented jazz guitarist himself has studied all Christian’s known recordings for twenty five years. His well-researched biography of the Texan jazz genius reveals many new facts about Charlie Christian’s short life, and career in music. The discography in this book is certainly the most complete and accurate to be published to date. It corrects for the first time, many errors in previous discograpies and books. Also included is an impressive and unique collection of photographs and documents to illustrate this important work.

Charlie Christian by Peter Broadbent is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of jazz and the jazz guitar.

back to previous page