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Django Reinhardt's name conjurs up strong rhythmic jazz played in a Paris night club, the air thick with smoke.  Rheinhardt was born in a gypsy camp in Belgium 97 years ago this week. Since his death in 1953, his popularity and influence continue to be strong. 

Minneapolis writer Michael Dregni has written an acclaimed biography of the Jazz legend. In his newest work, he's returned to his subject, and mined some of the photos, posters and papers for Django Reinhardt and the illustrated History of Gypsy Jazz.

All Things Considered host Tom Crann talked with Dregni.

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Guitarist Django Reinhardt would be 97 years old this week.  When he was young, a fire mangled his hands, forcing him to come up with new ways to play his favorite instrument.  His innovations led to a new type of jazz music that resonated through western Europe even as war tore the continent apart.

Michael Dregni on Django Reinhardt's influence on jazz

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Django Reinhardt with Duke Ellington (1939)

Django Reinhardt: the father of Gypsy Jazz

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