Charles Burrell, dubbed "The Jackie Robinson of Classical Music," broke barriers as the first person of color to play with a major symphony orchestra in the United States. He played with the Denver Symphony Orchestra from 1949 and later with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra under Pierre Monteux. Burrell's impressive résumé includes performances with jazz legends and he passed on his knowledge to young musicians, including Dianne Reeves and George Duke.
The Longest Walk
Charles Burrell made history as the first African-American musician to secure a full-time contract with a major symphony orchestra in the United States.
