Franco Cerri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franco Cerri
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Cerri in Milan, Italy, in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Born | 29 January 1926 Milan, Italy |
| Died | 18 October 2021 (aged 95) Milan |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, double bass |
| Years active | 1945–20?? |
Franco Cerri (born January 29, 1926 – died October 18, 2021) was a very talented Italian musician. He was famous for playing both the guitar and the double bass. He played jazz music and worked with many other famous musicians throughout his long career.
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Franco Cerri's Life and Music
Franco Cerri was born in Milan, Italy. He started learning to play the guitar when he was 17 years old. In 1945, he joined a music group led by Gorni Kramer. He also played in the orchestra for a popular TV show called Buone vacanze.
Playing Two Instruments
Starting in the 1950s, Franco Cerri began playing the double bass in addition to his guitar. This showed how versatile he was as a musician. He played with many legendary jazz artists. These included Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, and Gerry Mulligan. He also played with Django Reinhardt, who was one of his biggest influences. Other guitarists he admired were Barney Kessell and René Thomas.
Leading His Own Bands
Franco Cerri also led his own music groups. These were often quartets (four musicians) or quintets (five musicians). He played with other great musicians like Tullio De Piscopo, Pino Presti, and Jean-Luc Ponty.
In 1980, he started a musical duo with pianist Enrico Intra. Together, they also helped create the "Civica Scuola di Jazz" in Milan. This was a special school where young people could learn about jazz music.
Awards and Recognition
On January 1, 2006, Franco Cerri received a special honor. The President of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, made him a knight. This was a way to recognize his amazing contributions to music.
Franco Cerri passed away on October 18, 2021, at the age of 95. He left behind a wonderful legacy of jazz music.
Images for kids
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The Franco Cerri quintet in 1973. From left to right: Nando De Luca, Franco Cerri, Giorgio Baiocco, Pino Presti, and Tullio De Piscopo.
