Charlie Christian was one of the best known jazz musicians in the 1930′s. He was widely known for playing the jazz electric guitar and can be called the first great amplified guitar soloist. Charles Christian was born in 1916 and was raised in Oklahoma City. His parents were both musicians and his father taught him and his two brothers how to play. He played along with Benny Goodman and was a member of the Benny Goodman Sextet from 1930 to 1941. He also made many musical recordings as a sideman with Goodman.Want more? Click here/tag His style of music contributed to the music referred to as bop or bebop music. He never recorded as a leader professionally, but there have been some recordings released of his sessions as a sideman featured as a soloist. Charlie Christian’s music was often referred to as sounding horn like. He was not only influenced by guitar players but also horn players. He influenced other guitarists such as B.B. King, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix. Carlos Santana and Eddie Cochran are also among the list of musicians influenced by Christian. Charlie Christian died in 1942. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.