Eddie Lang
b. Salvatore Massaro, 25 October 1902, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, d. 26 March 1933. The first truly significant guitarist in jazz, Lang began his career playing violin but was familiar with what was to become his main instrument through his father's work as a guitar maker. As a youth, Lang became acquainted with Joe Venuti, forming a musical partnership of exceptional quality. After working in bands in his home town and Atlantic City he joined the Mound City Blue Blowers, visiting London with the band in 1924. Later, Lang played in a band led by Venuti and then the pair joined Roger Wolfe Kahn, Adrian Rollini, led their own band, then were hired by Paul Whiteman. During their stint with Whiteman, Lang recorded with Bing Crosby and appeared in the films, KING OF JAZZ (1930) and THE BIG BROADCAST (1932). After leaving Whiteman, Lang accompanied Crosby, who had a clause in his recording contract stipulating that the guitarist should always be present on his record dates. During this time, Lang continued to record with Venuti. Lang's playing was notable for his single-string solos and his deft accompaniments. Until his emergence the guitar had been thought of as little more than a rhythm instrument, but his work opened the way for it as an effective solo voice. During his brief career he made numerous records including superb duets with Lonnie Johnson and sessions with Crosby and Joe ‘King’ Oliver, but is best-remembered for those with Venuti which remain classics of their kind. Lang died in March 1933 while undergoing a tonsillectomy.