Charles Burrell: First Black Musician to be Hired Under Contract by a Symphonic Orchestra Marks 102nd Birthday

• The first Black musician worldwide to be hired under contract by a symphonic orchestra has marked his 102nd birthday
• Charles Burrell, a father of many descendants, has lived to spend time with his seven-year-old great-grandson
• The centenarian overcame challenges in his time as a musician to make history, becoming an inspiration

Trailblazer Charles Burrell, who became the first Black musician worldwide to be hired under contract by a symphonic orchestra, has marked his 102nd birthday.

The classical music genius just completed 102 trips around the sun mostly entertaining people.

While Burrell had a passion for music at a young age, he does not know how it all started. He, however, says music has always been for him, said Becauseofthemwecan.

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Commemorating the special day

To mark his birthday, he made his way to Charles Burrell Visual & Performing Arts Campus, a school that's been renamed in his honour.

The centenarian was overwhelmed with emotions as students wearing T-shirts with his name held birthday banners. ''I’m gonna cry,'' he said.

A life well lived

In an interview, Burrell said he didn't think he would make it past 20, but he's lived more than 100 years. He lived to spend time with his seven-year-old great-grandson, Lincoln Burrell.

Charles Burrell defeated challenges in his time as a musician to make history, becoming an inspiration then and years after.

Happy birthday, veteran.

Brave World War II Veteran who Witnessed the Great Depression in US Marks 102nd Birthday

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh previously reported that World War II veteran, Cresencia Garcia, marked her 102 birthday with family and loved ones who honoured her service as a former medic with the Six Triple Eights.

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Born on April 18, 1920, in Puerto Rico, her family immigrated to New York City in her youth. Like most Americans, she joined the US Army after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.

When Garcia joined to serve in the army, segregation was still rife, so she was sent to Texas for basic training and placed into a segregated unit. Happy birthday and thanks for your service.

Source: YEN.com.gh