Charles Burrell, 'Jackie Robinson of Classical Music,' Dies at 104

Iconic Denver bassist Charles Burrell dies at 104

Legendary bassist Charles Burrell, the first Black member of Denver Symphony Orchestra in 1949, has died at the age of 104. Burrell was the first African American to sign a full-time contract with a major American symphony orchestra and is…

Charles Burrell, called the 'Jackie Robinson of Classical Music,' dies at age 104

DENVER (KDVR) — Charles Burrell, an American classical and jazz bass player known as being the first African American to be a member of a major U.S. symphony, the Colorado Symphony, died Tuesday at the age of 104, his family confirmed. Burrell was born in Toledo, Ohio, but moved to Denver in 1949, where he was soon hired by the then-Denver Symphony Orchestra, now called the Colorado Symphony. Although he went on to other jobs throughout his care…

Charles Burrell, 'Jackie Robinson of classical music,' dies at 104

Charles Burrell broke the color barrier in 1949 when he joined the Denver Symphony Orchestra. His decades-long career made him an icon in Colorado's music scene.

Colorado music icon Charles Burrell, the ‘Jackie Robinson of classical music,’ dies at 104

Longtime Colorado Symphony bassist and trailblazing musician Charlie Burrell died early Thursday morning in Denver from natural causes. He was 104.

Classical bass legend Charlie Burrell dies at 104

The “Jackie Robinson of classical music” and former Denver Symphony Orchestra bassist called Colorado home for much of his life.

Charles Burrell, ‘Jackie Robinson of Classical Music,’ Dies at 104

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 o…