Wedeli Köhler, born on April 11, 1949, in Munich, Germany, was a violinist and guitarist known for his contributions to gypsy jazz. His musical journey began under the tutelage of his parents, both violinists, who taught him to play the violin. Köhler also learned guitar and made his public debut at age nine. In 1973, he joined Mike Reinhardt's sextet as a violinist and later formed Hot Club Da Sinti with guitarist Schmeling Lehmann and bassist Jani Lehmann. This quartet, modeled after Quintette du Hot Club de France, featured Tchavolo Schmitt from 1979 until the group disbanded in 1985. Köhler then led his own quartet, which included musicians like Dorado Schmitt and Ziroli Winterstein, and later his son Sascha Köhler. Notable albums include Swing & Folk (2003) and Hommage a Django (2011), the latter released posthumously after his death on August 16, 2011.
