Ray Brown

:For Raymond Alfred Brown, Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University, visit Raymond Alfred Brown

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Raymond Matthews (Ray) Brown (October 13, 1926 – July 2, 2002) was an American jazz bassist.

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Brown was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of 8 he began to play piano. In high school he decided to become a bassist because there was a vacancy in the school jazz orchestra. He also thought practicing the bass might be easier than piano.

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His first experiences playing in bands were with the Jimmy Hinsley Sextet and the Snookum Russel band. He played in jazz clubs throughout the United States and soon became known in the New York City jazz scene. Arriving in New York at age 20, he met and played with established musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Tatum, and Charlie Parker.

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From 1946 to 1951 he played with Dizzy Gillespie, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Milt Jackson, and Ella Fitzgerald (who was then his wife). Brown then was a member of the Oscar Peterson trio for fifteen years. After leaving the Trio he became a manager and promoter as well as a performer. Among the artists he managed were the Modern Jazz Quartet and Quincy Jones.

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In the late 1960s he moved to Los Angeles where he wrote music for films and TV shows. He was awarded his first Grammy for Gravy Waltz, a tune which would later be used as the theme song for The Steve Allen Show. Other awards would follow.

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In the 1980s and '90s he led his own trios and continued to refine his bass playing style. In his later years he recorded and toured extensively with pianist Gene Harris. In 1990 he discovered Diana Krall in a restaurant in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

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He continued to perform until his death; he died while taking a nap before a show in Indianapolis.

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Raymond Alfred Brown: Mr. Raymond A. Brown, Dean of Admissions...

October 13: October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years). There are 79 days remaining....

1926: 1926 was a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar)....

Ray Brown related Images and Photos (experimental)

Ray Brown All Stars Don't Forget The Blues	Ray Brown All Stars Don't Forget The Blues	A Charlie Brown Christmas (Blu-Ray)	A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo)
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo)	Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.(TM) (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack)	Ray	Ray
Mrs. Brown	P.J. Brown	Ray J: Raydiation	Ray J: Raydiation