Blackbird Society Orchestra

Born October 25, 1902 as Salvatore Massaro, Eddie Lang is best known as "the father of Jazz guitar." In an era when banjo was the primary rhythm instrument in jazz bands, Lang redifined the guitar and brought it to the forefront of the bandstand, opening doors for the multitude of guitarists to follow in his footsteps.  He was a pioneer, a unique talent and played in a style not previoulsy heard.

Raised in Philadelphia, he worked as a professional guitarist and banjoist in Europe at age 16 and at home in Philly with the Charlie Kerr Orchestra.  In 1925, he joined Paul Whiteman and was a featured instrumentalist in many songs, often accompanied by his boyhood friend Joe Venuti on violin.

Between 1925 and 1933, Lang served as house guitarist for Okeh, Columbia and Victor Records, held many Broadway pit jobs, and enjoyed a full-time position in Roger Wolf Kahn's Orchestra.

Lang died early and tragically on March 26th 1933.

In 2010, Richard Barnes organized the first official tribute to Lang in the United States  (an annual Jazz Festival in Lang's name is held every year in Italy).  It came to be known as "Eddie Lang Day in Philadelphia," made official by proclamation by Mayor Michael Nutter and attended by members of Lang's family including nephew Ed Massaro.  Held at Chris' Jazz Cafe and promoted with the help of local news outlets , national and international press coverage, as well as four local radio interviews

on WHYY, WRTI, WXPN and WMGK, the event was SOLD OUT in advance and attendees stretched the length of the street waiting to get in.