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Walter Brown

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Walter Brown was born in 1917 in Dallas, Texas, and was an American blues singer of the blues shouter type. He first sang in cafés in Kansas City and in 1941 became the singer of pianist Jay McShann's orchestra. The young saxophonist Charlie Parker also played in that band that year. Brown stayed with the group until 1944.

Music and breakthrough

In April 1941 the orchestra recorded in Dallas for Decca. Among the songs produced there were Hootie Blues and Confessin' the Blues. Brown wrote the latter together with McShann, and it became the band's biggest hit and made the bandleader's name known nationwide. It has since been covered by, among others, Wynonie Harris, B.B. King, Little Walter, Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones. Brown was replaced in 1944 by Jimmy Witherspoon.

Influence

His solo career remained without great success. In 1947 he recorded with Tiny Grimes's sextet a version of Open the Door, Richard, which, because of its lyrics, regarded as obscene, was refused by most radio stations and quickly withdrawn. He went on recording for labels such as King, Signature and Mercury and briefly returned to McShann in 1949. In 1956 he died in Lawton, Oklahoma, as a result of addiction. Walter Brown matters above all as the voice of Kansas City blues in the early 1940s, the singing partner of an orchestra in which bebop was making its first appearance.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Confessin' the Blues by Jay McShann with Walter Brown and notice the loose, talking style of singing above the swinging accompaniment. Can you hear how the band lets him sing and then answers with short riffs?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists