Charlie Christian is heralded as one of the pivotal figures in the development of modern jazz guitar. Born in Texas in 1916 and raised in Oklahoma, Christian's innovative approach to electric guitar playing significantly influenced the transition from big band to the smaller bebop groups of the 1940s. Before his untimely death at the age of 25 in 1942, Christian had made an indelible mark on jazz with his tenure in Benny Goodman's band, where his solos became landmarks in the history of the genre.

Notably, Charlie Christian was one of the first guitarists to amplify his instrument, pushing the boundaries of its role in jazz ensembles and enabling it to stand out as a solo voice amidst the brass and woodwinds. Albums such as "The Genius of The Electric Guitar" highlight his innovative techniques and extraordinary improvisational skills, which have inspired countless musicians. Though his recording career was brief, Christian's legacy as the pioneering force of the electric guitar in jazz is immortalized in albums like "The Immortal Charlie Christian" and celebrated in compilations such as "The Essential Charlie Christian." His contributions have earned him the posthumous title of "The Original Guitar Hero," underscoring his status as a foundational figure in the development of jazz guitar.