Leon “Chu” Berry

Leon "Chu" Berry (September 13, 1908 - October 30, 1941) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he is perhaps best known for his tenor saxophone work with Cab Calloway's Cotton Club Orchestra. Prior to joining Calloway's orchestra, Berry worked with Sammy Stewart, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, and Fletcher Henderson. Though Berry based his style on that followed by Coleman Hawkins, the older man regarded Berry as his equal. "Chu Berry" is also the unofficial name of a series of saxophones produced by the C.G. Conn company during the 1920s. Berry played a tenor model that was built during this era, though saxophone collectors often use "Chu Berry" in reference to alto, soprano, and baritone models of the same vintage. Berry died in Conneaut, Ohio from injuries sustained from an automobile accident.