(AURN News) — Booker Rowe, the first Black musician to perform with The Philadelphia Orchestra, died July 31 at age 85, according to The Philadelphia Tribune. Born in Kentucky and raised in Philadelphia, Rowe began playing the violin in sixth grade and later served as concertmaster of student orchestras. He earned degrees from Temple University and Yale University, performed with the Nashville Symphony and joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1968 before becoming a full-time member in 1971. Rowe also taught at Tennessee State University and the Community College of Philadelphia. Rest in peace, Booker Rowe.