Stephane Grappelli

Stéphane Grappelli 1908-97, French jazz violinist, b. Paris. Trained at the Paris Conservatory as a classical violinist, he became enamored of American jazz and devoted himself to the idiom, successfully melding African-American and European forms. From 1934-37 he and the guitarist Django Reinhardt created innovative improvisational "hot jazz" as co-leaders of the extremely popular Quintet of the Hot Club in Paris. In London during World War II, Grappelli played with the pianist George Shearing. Later he toured the world, made his U.S. debut (1969) at the Newport Jazz Festival, and during the 1970s and 80s teamed with other jazz violinists and pianists in live concerts and recordings. He also played with such noted classical musicians as Yehudi Menuhin and Yo-Yo Ma .

Bibliography: See his memoirs (1992, tr. 2002); biographies by R. Horricks (1983) and G. Smith (1987).

Grappelli, Stephane (b Paris, 1908; d Paris, 1997). Fr. jazz violinist. Had classical training and turned to jazz in late 1920s. Formed Quintet of the Hot Club of France 1934 with the guitarist Django Reinhardt. Lived in Eng. 1940–8. Amer. début, Newport, RI, 1969; NY début 1974 (Carnegie Hall). In 1973 formed popular partnership with Menuhin, resulting in recordings, later with Nigel Kennedy.