1940s
The 1940s saw jazz guitarists become firmly established as soloists in their own right as well as accompanists. Playing with Nat King Cole brought Oscar Moore (1916–1981) to prominence in jazz and popular music. Moore was a pioneer for the role of jazz guitar in the small jazz ensemble and played with Cole for nearly a decade. Moore also played with Lionel Hampton and Art Tatum. Bill DeArango (1921–2005) played guitar with musicians of the caliber of Coleman Hawkins and Dizzy Gillespie. Billy Bauer (1915–2005) was a member of Woody Herman's first Herd and also played with Benny Goodman and Jack Teagarden. Bauer was at the forefront of bringing the guitar into bebop, playing with Lennie Tristano and later Lee Konitz.
Read more about this topic: Jazz Guitarist