Charlie Byrd

Charles L. Byrd (September 16, 1925 - November 30, 1999), better known as Charlie Byrd, was a famous jazz guitarist, born in Suffolk, Virginia. His identifiable sound comes from playing his guitar in a more classical style, without

Charles L. Byrd (September 16, 1925 - November 30, 1999), better known as Charlie Byrd, was a famous jazz guitarist, born in Suffolk, Virginia. His identifiable sound comes from playing his guitar in a more classical style, without a pick.

Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He studied classical guitar with Andrés Segovia, who introduced him to the Latin styles of music which he would later perform professionally. Byrd was largely responsible for introducing a combination of American jazz styles and bossa nova to the mainstream.