Connors, Charles Raymond "Chuck"
(born: 1930 - died: 1994)Charles Raymond Connors, born in Maysville, KY, was a bass trombonist who studied at the Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C. He earned a MusB degree in 1956 from the Boston Conservatory.
Connors played with Dizzy Gillespie and was employed at other non-music related jobs before joining the Duke Ellington Orchestra, 1961-1974. He was recorded on film with the group, including in the documentary Mexican Suite in 1972 and The Duke Live in Europe 1963-64. Connors's performances can be heard on Soul Call, Ellington 65, hits of the 60's, and many other Ellington albums.
Connors also recorded with Teresa Brewer and with Mercer Ellington, Duke Ellington's son--Mercer took over the orchestra after his father's death in 1974.
It is believed that Chuck Connors lived in Cincinnati, OH after he retired from performing.
For more see "Chuck Connors" in the Oxford Music Online Database and his photograph in the picture on p. 332 of Music is My Mistress, by D. Ellington.
