Charles Burrell (musician)

Charles Burrell
Charles at home with son Chuck
Background information
Born(1920-10-04)October 4, 1920
Toledo, Ohio, US
DiedJune 17, 2025(2025-06-17) (aged 104)
Denver, Colorado, US
Genres
OccupationMusician
InstrumentBass
Years active1938–2021
Formerly of

Charles Burrell (October 4, 1920 – June 17, 2025) was an American classical and jazz bass player most prominently known for being the first African American to be a member of a major American symphony (the Denver Symphony Orchestra, now known as the Colorado Symphony). For this accomplishment, he is often referred to as "the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music".