oscar brown,jr.

Biography

Oscar Brown Jr. was born on October 10, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of significant influence. His father, Oscar Brown Sr., was a successful attorney and real estate broker who encouraged him to pursue law, but Brown's passion lay in the arts. He began his career at 15 on Studs Terkel's radio show Secret City. Brown attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Lincoln University but did not complete his degree, instead focusing on broadcasting and politics. He was a pioneering figure in radio, becoming the first Black newscaster on Negro Newsfront and later running for political office. Brown's musical style blended jazz, blues, and folk, often incorporating African-American themes and civil rights messages. His collaboration with Max Roach on the We Insist Freedom Now Suite exemplified his commitment to using art for social change. Brown also discovered The Jackson 5 and wrote over 1,000 songs, with 125 published. He released 12 albums and penned more than a dozen musical plays. Throughout his life, Brown remained a multifaceted artist, actor, and civil rights activist. His legacy continues to inspire through his contributions to jazz and social justice. Brown passed away on May 29, 2005, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage.

Fun Facts

• Oscar Brown Jr. was dubbed 'America's first Negro newscaster' for his work on Negro Newsfront.
• He was a member of the Communist Party USA from 1946 to 1956 before leaving due to racial tensions.
• Brown served two years in the U.S. Army during the mid-1950s.
• He ran for political office twice, once for the Illinois state legislature and once for the U.S. Congress.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Studs Terkel - Early mentor and collaborator on the radio show Secret City (Radio appearances) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Max Roach - Collaboration on the We Insist Freedom Now Suite (We Insist Freedom Now Suite) [1960s]
• Mahalia Jackson - Recorded his song Brown Baby (Brown Baby) [1950s]

Artists Influenced

• The Jackson 5 - Discovered by Oscar Brown Jr. (Early career) [1960s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Brother Where Are You - Matthew Herbert Remix
2. Laia Ladaia (Finding A New Friend)
3. Brother Where Are You? (Mr. Oscar Brown Jr. Goes To Washington)
4. Work Song (Sin & Soul... And Then Some)
5. Dat Dere (Sin & Soul... And Then Some)
6. But I Was Cool (Sin & Soul... And Then Some)
7. Humdrum Blues (Sin & Soul... And Then Some)
8. The Snake (Tells It Like It Is!)
9. Dat Dere (Sin & Soul... And Then Some)
10. Work Song (Sin & Soul... And Then Some)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia