Some sad news to pass along.--don
Charles Brown Passes
Charles Brown passed away peacefully in his sleep at 11:10 pm Thursday,
January 21, at Summit Medical Center in Oakland California. Brown was best
known as being an originator of the West Coast "cool blues" sound and for
his songs, "Driftin' Blues" and the Christmas staple, "Merry Christmas
Baby". Funeral arrangements are pending and any public ceremony or tribute
will be noted here as soon as details are available. Mr. Brown was
scheduled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 15.
For additional information on Charles Brown you can visit Charles Brown
Fan Page for more information.
A Tribute to help cover Charles' medical costs was held on January 11 at
The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Charles was able to attend
the concert personally to see his friends Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker,
Charlie Musselwhite, Dr. John, Maria Muldaur, Charles' band, and many more
honor the man and his music. Mr. Brown last performed on a bill with John
Lee Hooker and Charlie Musselwhite in Saratoga, California on August 23,
1998.
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INTRODUCTION
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An originator of the west coast "cool blues" sound in the mid-forties and
a major influence on Ray Charles, Brown is perhaps best known for his
hits, "Merry Christmas Baby" and "Drifting Blues." Charles Brown had
recently enjoyed a resurgence of interest and popularity performing in
concert halls, clubs and festivals around the globe. Younger audiences
will be aware of Brown through his recent Verve Records releases, These
Blues and Honeydripper, and a 1995 US tour with Bonnie Raitt. Brown was
the recipient of multiple Grammy nominations, a Rhythm and Blues
Foundation Pioneer Award, numerous WC Handy awards and the prestigious
National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship Award presented by
Hillary Clinton in just the past year.
n.p. Charles Brown - "Black Night"
