Franco Cerri was not only one of the world's most popular and the most authoritative Italian guitarists, but was also one of the most important stylist in the European jazz world. He began his long and prolific career in 1945 with Gorni Kramer and in 1949 he accompanied Django Reinhardt. In the 1950s he was near great jazz masters. Working with musicians from Chet Baker to Gerry Mulligan, and from Billie Holliday to Lee Konitz, and in modern jazz quartet, he became a leader in the Italian and European jazz world. On January 1, 2006 he was named "Commendatore della Repubblica" (official title awarded for service to Italy) by President of the Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.