Ray Brown, Jr.

Infobox musical artist
Name = Ray Brown Jr.

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Img_capt = Ray Brown Jr. on the cover of Friends and Family
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = vocalist, pianist, drummer
Birth_name = Raymond Matthews Brown, Jr.
Alias =
Born = August 13 1949
Origin = flagicon|USA New York, N.Y., USA
Instrument = vocals, drums, Piano
Voice_type = Jazz
Genre = Jazz, Blues, Smooth Jazz
Occupation = Performer
Years_active =
Label = SRI Jazz
Associated_acts = Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Jane Monheit, Melba Moore, James Moody, Maria Muldaur, Dr. John, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Somerville, Sally Kellerman, The SOS Band
URL = http://www.srirecords.com
Current_members =
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

Ray Brown, Jr. (born October 13, 1949) is an American jazz and blues pianist and singer

The adopted son of Ray Brown and Ella Fitzgerald, he was born in New York City, New York to Fitzgerald's half-sister Francis. Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and many others were common visitors during his childhood around the house.KPFT Pacifica "Joe's Roadhouse" Broadcast December 8, 2007]

After moving to California when he was 10, Ray discovered a passion for the drums and for singing. He attended Beverly Hills High School where he sang with school groups which toured at local festivals and hospitals.Official Management Site: http://www.ShellyLiebowitz.com/rbjr.aspx]

His father arranged for him to study with legendary jazz percussionists Bill Douglass and Chuck Flores. Despite his jazz roots he admits that his interest in performing rock music was an act of rebellion. "I used to drive my parents crazy with this. I told my father a few years before he died, you know a lot of times I played that music 'cause I just wanted to see the look on your face."KPFT Pacifica "Joe's Roadhouse" Broadcast December 8, 2007.] .

His mother's 1964 single "Ringo Beat" was inspired by her son's interest in rock music.

He moved to Seattle in 1971, studying with another drummer, Bill Coleman, Sr. It was at this time that Brown, Jr. began writing songs in addition to playing drums and piano.

In the late 1980s Brown toured the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Alaska, Japan, Korea and Guam performing in tours for the United States Department of Defense. Like his famous parents, Brown, Jr. says he loves performing on the road. He states,

"I love to tour. I've been able to see a lot of the world and I just absolutely enjoyed being able to be with different types of people, different cultures and to see the world. It's just kind of broadened who I am as a person, which eventually will filter down into the music, the influences."KPFT Broadcast Pacifica "Joe's Roadhouse" December 8, 2007.] .

In 2001, Brown recorded his debut album "Slow Down For Love" on SRI Jazz, which reached the top 50 of the Gavin Report. His second album, "Committed From The Heart", was released in 2003. His sound has been described as an adult contemporary pop sound layered with R&B.Official Record Label: http://srirecords.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30] . Ray Brown, Jr. wrote and arranged all the songs on both CDs.

Additionally in 2003, Brown debuted on the Las Vegas Strip, performing five nights a week in the Le Bistro Theater at the Riviera hotel and casino. "Ba-Da-Bing Murder Mystery & Ray Brown Jr."', by Norman Johnson, Las Vegas Leisure Guide 'http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/norm/nj100303.htm]

In 2007 he released the album "Stand by Me".

In September 2008, Ray Brown Jr. released a duets-style album, "Friends And Family", produced by Shelly Liebowitz, on SRI Jazz, a division of SRI Records.Official Record Label: http://srirecords.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30] Vocal artists on this album include Jane Monheit, Melba Moore, James Moody, Maria Muldaur, Dr. John, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Somerville, Kim Hoyer, and Sally Kellerman. Additional instrumental performances appear on some of the album tracks with artists David "Fathead" Newman, James Moody, Dr. John, Dr. Lonnie Smith and jazz vibraphonist Terry Gibbs. Also included on the album is Brown's daughter "Haylee" singing "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", made famous by her grandmother. There is also a bonus track with Ray's parents in a live version of "How High The Moon", with Ella Fitzgerald and Brown Jr. on vocals and Ray Brown (musician) playing bass.His style has been described as more RnB influenced material. Amazon Editorial Review: http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Family-Ray-Brown-Jr/dp/B001DZDTDQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1220909909&sr=8-1#moreAboutThisProduct]

Notable Appearances

In 1998 Ray Brown Jr. attended the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation ceremony honoring his mother, Ella Fitzgerald. Ella Fitzgerald Honored by Juvenile Diabetes Foundation:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1998_Dec_2/ai_53330380]

In 2007 Brown appeared in a BBC documentary talking about his famous mother entitled "Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song."Record Label: http://srirecords.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30]

Also in 2007, Brown attended the ceremony for the new Ella Fitzgerald stamp produced by the United States Postal Service. He also traveled to various events commemorating what would have been his mother's 90th birthday.

Discography

* 2001 "Slow Down For Love"
* 2003 "Committed From The Heart"
* 2007 "Stand by Me"
* 2008 "Friends And Family"

Also Appears On

* The SOS Band - "S.O.S." (1980)

Notes