Charles Burrell (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Burrell
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Charles at home with son Chuck
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| Background information | |
| Born | October 4, 1920 Toledo, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, classical |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Years active | 1938–present |
| Associated acts |
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Charles Burrell (born October 4, 1920) is an amazing American musician. He plays both classical and jazz music on the bass. He is famous for being the first African-American to join a major American symphony orchestra. This was the Denver Symphony Orchestra, which is now called the Colorado Symphony. Because of this important achievement, people often call him "the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music."
Contents
Early Life and Music
Charles Burrell was born in Toledo, Ohio. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, during a tough time called the Great Depression. Even as a young student, he was very good at music.
When he was just twelve years old, Charles heard the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) on his family's radio. A famous conductor named Pierre Monteux was leading the orchestra. Charles decided right then that he wanted to play in that orchestra one day.
Starting His Music Career
After high school, Charles got a job playing jazz music. He played at a club called B.J.'s in Detroit. When World War II began, he joined the Navy. He was part of an all-Black naval unit near Chicago.
In the Navy, he played in a special all-star band. He played with famous musicians like Clark Terry and Al Grey. He also took music classes at Northwestern University. And he studied with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
A Career in Orchestras and Jazz
In 1949, Charles moved to Denver, Colorado. He soon got a job with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. This was a very important step for him.
In 1959, Charles made his dream come true. He joined the San Francisco Symphony (SFS). He played there until 1965. He even got to play for Pierre Monteux, the conductor he admired as a boy.
Charles was the first African-American musician to join such a big orchestra. This is why he is called "the Jackie Robinson of classical music." Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball.
Around 1953, Charles left the Denver Symphony. He became the bass player for Nellie Lutcher's band. He then became a very important jazz player in Five Points, Denver. This area was known as "The Harlem of the West." It was a lively jazz scene between St. Louis and the West Coast.
Charles played in Colorado's first jazz trio that included musicians of different races. It was called the Al Rose Trio. He also became the main bass player at the Rossonian Hotel. This hotel was a famous spot for entertainment in Five Points.
He shared the stage with many jazz legends. These included Billie Holiday, Erroll Garner, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.
Charles also taught and guided other musicians. He was a mentor to bass player Ray Brown. He also mentored his niece, Dianne Reeves, who is a singer and has won many Grammy Awards. Keyboard player George Duke, who is Charles's cousin, also credits Charles. Charles convinced him to switch from classical music to jazz.
Charles kept performing even when he was in his 90s. He played live on the radio station KUVO. In 2021, he appeared in a film called JazzTown.
Awards and Tributes
Charles Burrell has received many honors for his amazing musical career:
- In 2008, he won a Denver Mayor's award for his excellent work in arts and culture.
- In 2011, he received a Martin Luther King Jr. humanitarian award.
- The jazz radio station KUVO broadcast a special concert to honor him on his birthday.
- Congresswoman Diana DeGette also honored him in the United States House of Representatives. She called him a "titan of the classical and jazz bass."
- The Alphonse Robinson African-American Music Association created the "Charles Burrell Award" in his name.
- On November 28, 2017, he was added to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
- In 2021, a new arts school in Colorado was named after him. The Charles Burrell Visual and Performing Arts Campus opened in 2022.
Discography
Charles Burrell has played on several recordings, including:
- Don Ewell: Denver Concert (Pumpkin)
- Marie Rhines : Tartans & Sagebrush (Ladyslipper)
- Whiskey Blanket: No Object
- Joan Tower / Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop – Fanfares For The Uncommon Woman (Koch International Classics)
