Django: The Life and Music of a Gypsy Legend, by music writer Michael Dregni, is an account of Reinhardt's life, from his childhood in a gypsy camp outside Paris, to the legendary fire that nearly killed him and crippled his left hand, to his novel and influential Quintette du Hot Club de France, which entranced clubgoers in Nazi-occupied Paris.
Dregni takes a long look at Reinhardt's lengthy relationship with violinist Stephane Grappelli, as well as providing portraits of other jazz greats who crossed the guitarist's path, including Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Coleman Hawkins. He examines gypsy culture and the jazz scene in Paris, and looks closely at Reinhardt's musicianship.
This is the first major biography of the guitarist.
