Charlie Christian, an iconic figure in the world of electric guitar, left an indelible mark on the music industry despite his brief life. His groundbreaking contributions can be experienced through the compilation album Charlie Christian – The Genius of the Electric Guitar, released in 1987 by Columbia Records. This album includes some of his finest performances, such as “Rose Room,” “Seven Come Eleven,” “Wholly Cats,” and “Air Mail Special.” Christian’s career was tragically cut short when he passed away on March 2, 1942, at just 25 years old.
Born in Dallas in 1919, Charlie Christian’s early life was shaped by poverty. His family later relocated to Oklahoma, where Charlie was influenced by great musicians like Blind Lemon Jefferson, saxophonist Lester Young, and possibly guitarist Eddie Lang. Christian’s journey as a guitarist remains somewhat mysterious, as his unique approach and innovation do not easily lend themselves to conventional explanations.
Christian’s instrument of choice was the Gibson ES-150 electric hollowbody guitar, often paired with the Gibson EH-150 amp, which produced a modest 15 watts. He also played the Gibson ES-250 through an EH-185 amp, but his signature sound was achieved with the ES-150, which many liken to a “distorted saxophone” tone.
Christian’s breakthrough came in 1939 when he auditioned for Benny Goodman’s Sextet. As part of the group, which included Lionel Hampton, Fletcher Henderson, Artie Bernstein, and Nick Fatool, Christian became an essential component of the Goodman sound. His talent was evident on radio broadcasts, and though he reportedly contributed significantly to the band’s songwriting, his efforts went uncredited. Despite this, his influence on the band’s sound and legacy is unmistakable, as he became a key figure in shaping the music of that time.
One of the most memorable solos from Christian’s career is his performance on “Rose Room,” which remains an awe-inspiring piece for many guitarists. The simplicity of the solo is remarkable, and after analyzing it, one can see how Christian expertly superimposed minor 6th arpeggios over dominant 7th chords, creating a beautiful, unexpected harmony. This innovative approach, such as playing a C minor 6 arpeggio over an F7 chord, reveals Christian’s ability to add complexity while maintaining accessibility for other musicians.
Christian’s influence extended beyond complex techniques. He also made jazz more approachable for aspiring guitarists. On “Seven Come Eleven,” for example, he played the blues over the “I Got Rhythm” A sections, making the notoriously challenging rhythm changes more accessible. His use of minor-6th arpeggios and phrasing in the B section helped demystify high-level concepts, offering guitarists simple yet effective tools they could use to navigate intricate musical landscapes.
Christian’s career was tragically shortened by his battle with tuberculosis, forcing him to leave the Goodman tour in 1941 for hospitalization. His time in the hospital was marred by a visit from a “friend” who brought him drugs and prostitutes. The following day, Christian passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Despite his untimely death, Charlie Christian’s influence remains profound. He transcended his humble beginnings and broke racial barriers in the music industry, contributing to the redefinition of the electric guitar’s role in jazz, blues, and rock. His innovative approach in just two-and-a-half years changed the trajectory of guitar playing, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today. Charlie Christian’s brief but powerful career solidified his place as one of the most influential electric guitarists of the 20th century.
Related Topics
- Sonicware CyDrums: A Portable Drum Synthesizer with Wavetables
- Wayne Osmond, Guitarist of The Osmonds, Passes Away at 73
- Inverness Musician Overcomes Stroke to Return to the Stage, Plays Guitar One-Handed
