Ray Brown
Acoustic Bass
July 2, 2002 (Age 75) died
October 13, 1926 Birthday
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Birthplace
Shows
About
Ray Brown was one of the most popular jazz bassists of the 20th century. He began his career in Dizzy Gillespie's band in 1945 and went on to tour with Ella Fitzgerald. In 1951 he joined the legendary Oscar Petersen Trio and would remain in the group until 1966. After leaving Petersen, Brown settled in Los Angeles and worked in the studios, both as a recording musician and as a manager for groups such as The Modern Jazz Quartet and Quincy Jones. Brown also led several groups most notably the Ray Brown Trio where he mentored younger musicians including Gene Harris, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton. Ray Brown continued to perform up until his death in 2002. He died in his sleep while napping before a gig in Indianapolis.
Trivia
Ray Brown was named a NEA Jazz Master in 1995. Ray Brown was married to Ella Fitzgerald from 1947 to 1952. Ray Brown appears in the 1946 film "Jivin' in Be-Bop."
Early Life
Raymond Matthew Brown was born in Pittsburgh in 1926. He began playing the piano at age 8 and switched to the upright bass in high school, after noting the number of pianists at his school. As a teen he played around Pittsburgh with the Jimmy Hinsley Sextet and the Snookum Russel band. In 1945, at the age of 19, he moved to New York City where he was quickly hired into Dizzy Gillespie's band.
Ray Brown Solos
1957
Acoustic Bass solo - I'm An Old Cowhand - 1957
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 171 BPM
Acoustic Bass solo - Solitude - 1957
4/4 ballad in G♭ major at 76 BPM
Acoustic Bass solo - Come, Gone - 1957
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 227 BPM
Acoustic Bass solo - Wagon Wheels - 1957
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 131 BPM
Acoustic Bass solo - There Is No Greater Love - 1957
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 81 BPM
Acoustic Bass solo - I Didn't Know What Time It Was - 1957
4/4 swing in C major at 128 BPM
1955
Acoustic Bass solo - She's Funny That Way - 1955
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 144 BPM
1952
Acoustic Bass solo - Indiana - 1952
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 195 BPM