Ethnicity, race…and music

I recently found this photo online. If you know jazz, you probably know who they are, and I think it’s from when they toured together.
But one thing I thought of: in the U.S., this is a picture of a white man and a black man. If you don’t know the individuals, would you be able to tell who was who ?

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ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

I know they're musicians and I THINK the one is Duke Ellington, but not 100% sure. I have this fear it'll turn out to be Count Basie and I'll be embarrassed by my ignorance. Next time post Cab Calloway, him I know. ;)

bijouxbroussard · F

@ChipmunkErnie You’re right, it is Duke Ellington. The man on the left is Django Reinhardt, Romani-French guitarist.

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@bijouxbroussard I'd never recognize Reinhardt, though I've listened to his music and heard his name for decades. Amazing what he could do with just two working fingers on his hand.