Trailblazing Bassist Charlie Burrell Dies at 104

Charlie Burrell, known as the “Jackie Robinson of music,” has passed away at 104. As the first Black member of the Denver and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras, Burrell broke racial barriers in classical music. A jazz collaborator with legends like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, Burrell was also a WWII veteran and educator who mentored future stars like Ray Brown. Despite enduring racism, he left a legacy of resilience, talent, and mentorship that transformed American music.

Advertisements

Source: CPR
Image Source: User:Kevinjbeaty, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons