Milton Brown

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Milton Brown (1903 - 1936) born in Stephenville, TX was a band leader and vocalist who was one of the founders of Western swing. While selling tobacco and singing in amateur groups, he joined Bob Wills and Herman Arnspiger in forming the group that became the Light Crust Doughboys in 1931, when Burrus Mill and Elevator Company, makers of Light Crust Flour, took over sponsorship of their radio show. In 1932, in need of additional moeny to support his aging parents, he left the Doughboys and organized Milton Brown and His Musical Brownies in Fort Worth, Texas. This was the first actual Western Swing band in that it had a standup bass, jazz piano by the gifted Fred "Papa" Calhoun, tenor banjo and twin fiddles. From 1934 to 1936, this band produced more than 100 recordings for Victor and Decca, maintained a very busy live appearance schedule throughout the North Texas region and broadcast a weekly radio show.

Related Topics:
Milton Brown - 1903 - 1936 - Stephenville - Western swing - Bob Wills - Light Crust Doughboys - Fort Worth, Texas

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In addition to their pioneering instrumental lineup, Brown and his musicians were responsible for numerous innovations, notably the introduction of electrified steel guitar. While amplified steels were nothing new, the Brownies' guitarist Bob Dunn) pioneered the instrument's use in into Country and Western music. He and Bob Wills remained friends, and Wills's original Waco-based band the Playboys were modeled on the Brownies.

Related Topics:
Steel guitar - Bob Dunn - Country and Western

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In April of 1936, Brown had a major car accident, which may be attributable to his habitual falling asleep at inopportunte times, possibly narcolepsy. Although he survived the impact and was expected to recover, he died from pneumonia five days after the crash at the height of his popularity. Following Milton's death, his brother guitarist Durwood Brown kept the Musical Brownies together for two years, recording a dozen sides for Decca in 1937.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~