Charlie Christian was just 25 when he died of tuberculosis in 1942. But in his short life he managed to leave his mark on the development of bebop and cool jazz, tour with Benny Goodman and go down as an early adopter/influencer of the electric guitar along with Les Paul, T-Bone Walker, Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Co. He was born in Bonham, Texas, on this day in 1916.

 

Also born today:

Rush frontman Geddy Lee (aka Geddy Lee Weinrib) — born in 1953 in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada.

Patti Scialfa of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (aka Mrs. The Boss) — born in 1953 in Deal, New Jersey.