Lulu Reinhardt

Lulu Reinhardt (1951–2014) was born in France and was the lead guitarist in the style of Django Reinhardt. He was part of the Häns’che Weiss Quintett and the Titi Winterstein Quintet, and also performed with Dodi Schumacher, Rigo Winterstein, and Peter Petrel. He is considered a fundamental guitarist of the gypsy jazz style in Germany in the 70s.

An important fact is that many times he is confused with Lulo Reinhardt, even though it was incorrectly stated that way on the first album he recorded. But they are different players, and you can see Lulo’s biography here.

Lulu Reinhardt’s first steps were in the Forbach (on the French-German border) Manouche community, and later in Verviers, Belgium. His father was Noto Reinhardt, who was his first teacher.

Later, the Reinhardt family moved to Germany, where he started his professional career. He started recording with the Ensemble Romanesj, with Haentsje and Bakro Rosenberg.

During 1976, he was invited to be part of the gypsy jazz Quintet of Häns’che Weiss, touring over Europe with Weiss and Stéphane Grappelli.

In 1978, he joined the Titi Winterstein quintette and saxophonist Dodi Schumacher. His important role was with Rigo Winterstein Quintette for more than twenty years, with whom he released several albums.

Then he performed with Peter Petrel and his Gypsy Swingtett. Another important fact is that Lulu Reinhardt is indicated as the author of the famous gypsy jazz classic “Lulu Swing,” but the actual author of that song is Sani Rosenberg. 

He is the author of “Valse à Madame” with Rigo Winterstein. Between 1975 and 1987, he recorded several jazz recordings.

Lulu Reinhardt passed away in 2014. He is remembered for his work and contribution to Gypsy Jazz in Germany.