Chu Berry

About

Saxophonist with a short but influential career as a session player, big band saxophonist, and recorded musician. He was also a student at West Virginia State College.

Before Fame

He started playing alto saxophone with local bands but switched to tenor sax after watching Coleman Hawkins perform.

Trivia

His career was cut short when he was in a car crash that fractured his skull; he passed away in Brown Memorial Hospital from his injuries at the age of thirty-three.

Family Life

He was survived by his wife Geraldine.

Associated With

Berry was admired by Jack Kerouac. The writer references him in his novel The Subterraneans.