Stéphane Grappelli

Stéphane Grappelli (1908-1997) was a pioneering jazz violinist who founded the quintet of the "Quintette du Hot Club de France" with Django Reinhardt. It was allegedly the first all-string jazz band.

Born in Paris, France, to Italian parents, Grappelli started his musical career as a silent film pianist. He later attended the Conservatoire de Paris, between 1924 and 1928.

After his career with Reinhardt, he appeared on hundreds of recordings including sessions with jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, vibraphonist Gary Burton, pop singer Paul Simon, mandolin player David Grisman, rock band Pink Floyd (Wish You Were Here), classical violinist Yehudi Menuhin and orchestral conductor André Previn.