Charles Burrell is a classical and jazz bass player most prominently known for being the first African-American to be a member of a major American symphony. For this accomplishment he is often referred to as "the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music".

Nellie Rose Lutcher was an American R&B and jazz singer and pianist, who gained prominence in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Lutcher was most recognizable for her diction and exaggerated pronunciation and was credited as an influence by Nina Simone among others.