Chu Berry | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Leon Brown Berry |
Born | Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. | September 13, 1908
Died | October 30, 1941 Conneaut, Ohio, U.S. | (aged 33)
Genres | Jazz, swing |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument | Tenor saxophone |
Years active | 1930s |
Formerly of | Cab Calloway, Fletcher Henderson |
Leon Brown "Chu" Berry (September 13, 1908 – October 30, 1941) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist during the 1930s. He is perhaps best known for his time as a member of singer Cab Calloway's big band.
According to music critic Gary Giddins, musicians called him "Chu" either because he chewed on the mouthpiece of his saxophone or because he had a Fu Manchu mustache.[1]