Franz „Schnuckenack“ Reinhardt (* 17. Februar 1921 in Weinsheim near Bad Kreuznach; † 16. April 2006 in Heidelberg) was a great german Jazzmusician (Violin), composer and Interpret.He was a german Sinto (Manouche/Gypsy) and his music has been released and publisehd under the synonym „Zigeunerjazz“ (Ziganjazz) or „Musik deutscher Zigeuner“ (Music of german Gypsies).
The term "Zigeunerjazz" (Gypsyjazz, Jazz-Manouche) has been established and made known and popular especially by him. Schnuckenack has a great part of publicating and distributing of the Gypsyjazz in Germany.
Not only caused by his happy and funny personality he was extremly well accepted by the audience, thus having all concerts fully booked.
As well his records sold very well over many years.Developed by him musicians like the famous Hännsche Weiss or even Lancy Falta, of which he recognized their potential and gave them the chance to play for a wider audience playing with him in his ensemble, helping them to become well known and accepted musicians.
His original compositions with lyrics sung in Romanes, the language of the Sinti, like for example "O letschto gurgo", Fuli tschai" oder "Me hum mato" have become and still are until today classics of Sintijazz.
It is known that Schnuckenack had the great honour to play for one of the popes on Rome.
His death in 2006 left a big empty space in the league of german Sintimusicians.
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