Before Eddie Lang, guitar virtuosity was not considered to be an asset in jazz
music. But the Philadelphia-born guitarist made the instrument stand out beyond
its usual role in providing background color, and displayed a versatility that
didn’t leave him limited to any one technique. Born on October 25, 1902, Lang
switched to the guitar after years of playing the violin and banjo in his youth,
and his prowess was immediately evident.
Lang’s professional career began in the Mound City Blue Blowers in 1924, and
regularly collaborated with his childhood friend, violinist Joe Venu...