Charles Burrell
A KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP 104.7 Project
Charles Burrell’s story is one of courage, talent, and breaking boundaries.
Born in 1920 and raised in Detroit, he fell in love with music at a young age, dreaming of one day playing with a great symphony orchestra. At a time when segregation closed doors for so many, Burrell’s determination and extraordinary skill on the double bass opened them. In 1949, he made history as the first African American to earn a contract with a major American symphony, joining the Denver Symphony Orchestra.
But Charles’s gifts didn’t stop at the concert hall. By night, he could be found in Denver’s thriving jazz clubs, laying down rich basslines alongside legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington. His ability to move between classical and jazz with equal mastery made him a true pioneer, earning him the nickname “the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music.”
More than a performer, Burrell became a mentor and inspiration, shaping the next generation of musicians, including his niece, Grammy-winning artist Dianne Reeves. Today, his legacy lives on not just in the groundbreaking path he carved, but in the countless lives he touched through his music, his mentorship, and his unwavering belief in the power of art to transform communities.
Muralist
Aikoyougo
Aikoyougo’s work is rooted in service, story, and healing. She has a deep passion for large-scale public artworks, with a strong focus on murals that serve communities in meaningful, lasting ways. She designs with an understanding of how visual space can support safety, reflection, and emotional restoration.
Thank You to Our Partner
This project was funded by the Denver Arts and Venues' P.S. You Are Here, a creative placemaking program supporting short-term, collaborative and community-led projects that engage the public to transform Denver’s outdoor public spaces. PSYAH projects build civic engagement, honor heritage, beautify neighborhoods and enrich communities to bring vibrancy to our neighborhoods and downtown.
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Your donation supports the programs on-air, online and in-person that you count on. Listener support fuels KUVO JAZZ and keeps the music going.
