Django Reinhardt and Overcoming Adversity

Django Reinhardt is known as the creator of 'hot' jazz, one of the more distinctive styles.  It requires dexterity and fast hand movement along the fretboard to be able to play this style of Jazz.  As you watch the video above, you can see how rapidly Django's hands are moving.  This is all made more amazing when you realize that his hand is partially paralyzed.  Django was 18 at the time and he and his common-law wife were caught in a fire.  They survived, but doctors wanted to amputate Django's leg and the deformity of his hand left his musician's life questionable.

As part of his recovery, his brother gave him a new guitar and Django practiced as he recovered.  Shortly thereafter, he discovered jazz and fell in love with the style.  Forming the group you see in the video, Django began playing with his new style.  Even though he had the challenge of playing mostly with only his thumb, index and middle finger, Django was determined to play and challenge himself.  He was passionate about the music.  He serves as a testament to anyone who feels like, 'I can't do this because of x.'  Django proves that even with limitations, you can innovate and rethink how something is done.

via Open Culture

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