Biréli Lagrène (born September 4, 1966) is a French jazz guitarist, bassist, and composer of Manouche (Sinti) heritage. Raised in a family of Romani musicians, he was a child prodigy who taught himself guitar by imitating the legendary Django Reinhardt.
His debut album Routes to Django (1980) highlighted his mastery of traditional jazz and brought him international attention. In the 1980s, he expanded into jazz fusion, collaborating with Jaco Pastorius, and later explored modern jazz, bebop, world music, and even classical styles.
Throughout his career, Biréli Lagrène has worked with icons such as Stéphane Grappelli, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, Stanley Clarke, and Marcus Miller. He has received numerous awards, including the Victoires de la Musique, France’s highest music honor.
Though he explores many genres, Lagrène often returns to his jazz roots, securing his reputation as both the spiritual heir to Django Reinhardt and one of the most versatile guitarists of his generation.