Charles Burrell, the legendary bassist known as the “Jackie Robinson of classical music,” died June 17 at age 104.
In 1949, he became the first African American to join a major American symphony — the Denver Symphony Orchestra, now the Colorado Symphony. Burrell was also a renowned jazz musician, performing in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood and earning praise for his ability to move between classical and jazz genres.
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame called him a rare virtuoso. In 2023, he was honored at the MLK Jr. Business Awards, and a performing arts school in Aurora was named in his honor.
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