(Chicago,
IL) Chicago born legendary singer, songwriter, playwright, poet
and civil rights activist Oscar Brown, Jr. died today after a brief illness.
He was 78 years old. Brown impacted millions of people world-wide
during his illustrious career, with both his music and his politics.
He had become a remarkable and powerful force for generations of young
people in the community, by tapping into their "over-looked" talents.
“He is, indeed, a national treasure, and one of the most important figures
of our time, "explains Maggie Brown, his daughter with whom he would often
perform
with.“Although we will miss him deeply, he has left a wealth
of material that will continue to touch the world.”
Brown wrote over a thousand songs, and more than a dozen musical plays.
His rendition of the musical, “Big Time Buck White,” appeared on Broadway
starring
Muhammad Ali. However, his dynamic productions "Opportunity Please
Knock" & "Great Nitty Gritty," tapping into the talents of
gang members and other youth in the Chicago area,
is credited with turning around the lives of hundreds of young people in the
city.
He is also noted for such classic compositions as,“The Snake,” “Work
Song,” and
“Signifyin’ Monkey.” Proving that his works are timeless, Brown had
become a regular on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam.
His passing
comes at a time when his works are seeing a major resurgence.
Brown recently established The Oscar Brown, Jr. H.I.P. (Human Improvement
Potential)
Legacy Foundation, to continue his efforts. Screenings are planned nation-wide
for a
newly completed documentary about Brown’s life, (Music Is My Life / Politics
Is My Mistress).
According to his daughter Maggie, “He has passed us the torch, and we are
carrying it proudly. "Generations to come will not only enjoy, but finally
truly appreciate the
contributions he has made.”
Brown
was originally hospitalized in mid-April, suffering from
osteo-myelitis, a bone infection. Funeral services are pending. However,
numerous
tributes are also being planned, and updates can be found on his website:
www.oscarbrownjr.com
Singer/composer OSCAR BROWN, JR. made his ascension around 11:30 a.m. > (Sunday 5/29), in Chicago. He was 78. > > Remembrances to the family go to: 4326 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago > ILL 60653 > > Oscar's info at www.oscarbrownjr.com > e-mail him or family: oscarbrownhousejr@aol.com
Vice President - Emeritus
Poet in Residence
Director of Artist Development
Spoken Word and Rap MusicOscar Brown, Jr., served as Vice President, Poet in Residence and Director of Spoken Word and Rap Music for NETunes.
Mr. Brown is considered by many to be the father of Rap music. A successful lyricist, poet, songwriter, playwright, actor and vocalist, Oscar Brown, Jr., first gained national attention in 1960 with the release of Sin and Soul, his critically-acclaimed debut album for Columbia Records.
Soon to follow on the Columbia label, Between Heaven and Hell (1962), In a New Mood (1962) and Oscar Brown, Jr., Tells It Like It Is (1963). Mr. Oscar Brown, Jr., Goes to Washington (1964) and Finding a New Friend with Luiz Henrique (1966) were subsequently released on the Fontana label with Joy with Jean Pace and Sivuca (1970) on the RCA Victor label and Movin' On (1972), Brother Where Are You? (1974) and Fresh (1974) on the Atlantic label. Mr. Brown's most recent recordings are Oscar Brown, Jr., Then and Now (1965) on Weasel Disc and Sin and Soul... and Then Some (1996) on Sony.
Mr. Brown's original plays include Kicks & Company, Joy '66, Summer in the City, Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow, Opportunity Please Knock and the musical Big Time Buck White which appearing on Broadway and featured Muhammad Ali in its title role.
Oscar Brown, Jr., has served as Artist-in-Residence at Hunter College, Malcolm-X College and Howard University. He has starred in the hit production of Evolution of the Blues and featured in the Emmy-Winning CBS special Oscar Brown is Back In Town. He hosted the 13-week PBS program From Jump Street: The Story of Black Music and was a regular cast member of the hit television series Brewster Place starring Opra Winfrey. He has also appeared in numerous other roles including episodes of Roc and the PBS special Zora Is My Name written by Ruby Dee.
With his unique and theatrical presentation of music, lyrics and poetry, Oscar Brown, Jr., has shared the bill with such legends as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderly.
His performances typically garner the most outstanding of reviews. Howard Reich, of the Chicago Tribune, describes Mr. Brown as "mesmerizing" while Entertainment Today's Scott Lenz calls Oscar Brown, Jr., a "Jazz vocalist exgtraordinare". Peter Watrous, of The New York Times writes, "Mr. Brown is an astonishingly gifted and imaginative performer who brings a comprehensive world view to the stage."
Oscar Brown, Jr., died on Sunday 29 May 2005 at the age of 78. He remains an inspiration for jazz, blues and rap artists worldwide.
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