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Charlie
Christian

1990

Vernon Reid

Charlie Christian took electric guitar out of the rhythm section and into the spotlight. Christian’s single-string solo technique proved that guitar could be a lead instrument and shaped a generation of bebop guitarists.

Impact

I was amazed at how modern Charlie Christian sounded

Vernon Reid

1990 Hall of Fame Essay

In the early years of jazz, the guitar was an impractical instrument, nursed primarily by street-comer blues and gospel singers, whom it suited perfectly...

Written By Chris Albertson

sealed with a signature

This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.

Charlie Christian

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