Details for Charles Henry Christian

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5147008856

Data

Marker Number 8856
Atlas Number 5147008856
Marker Title Charles Henry Christian
Index Entry Christian, Charles Henry
Address S. 1st St.
City Bonham
County Fannin
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 761753
UTM Northing 3717703
Subject Codes music; African American topics
Marker Year 1994
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location Gates Hill Cemetery, S side of S 1st St. (Charlie Christian) near Reich St.
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 14" x 24"
Marker Text (July 29, 1916 - March 2, 1942) As a child Bonham native Charles (Charlie) Christian was exposed to the guitar artistry and soprano solos of his parents Clarence and Willie Mae Christian. Though taught in the guitar chord technique, he developed a unique single-string style that made his reputation and earned him a place in music great Benny Goodman's band in 1939. A jazz guitar prodigy, he played with Goodman, Count Basie, and at Carnegie Hall before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 25. Recorded - 1994

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