Walter Brown (singer)

For other people with the same name, see Walter Brown.

Walter Brown (August 17, 1917 – June 1956)[1][2] was an American blues shouter who sang with Jay McShann's band in the 1940s and co-wrote their biggest hit, "Confessin' The Blues".

Born in Dallas, Texas, he joined McShann's orchestra, which also included saxophonist Charlie Parker, in 1941.[2] Brown sang on some of the band's most successful recordings, including "Confessin' The Blues" and "Hootie Blues", before leaving to be replaced by Jimmy Witherspoon.[3] in 1947 he recorded some sides with the Tiny Grimes Sextet which resulted in their version of the hit "Open the Door Richard". The record was considered too risque and was banned from most radio play lists and the label withdrew it from sale soon after.

Brown's subsequent solo singing career was unsuccessful, although he recorded for the King, Signature and Mercury labels, and he briefly reunited with McShann for recording sessions in 1949. His last two recordings were completed in Houston in 1951 and released on the Peacock label.[4]

Brown died in June 1956 in Lawton, Oklahoma, due to drug addiction.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Eagle, Bob; LeBlanc, Eric S. (2013). Blues - A Regional Experience. Santa Barbara: Praeger Publishers. p. 371. ISBN 978-0313344237.
  2. 1 2 Allmusic biography
  3. ↑ Larry Birnbaum. "Before Elvis: The Prehistory of Rock 'n' Roll". Google.com. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  4. ↑ Arwulf Arwulf. "1947 - 1951 - Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
  5. ↑ Thedeadrockstarclub.com - accessed December 2009
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