Charles Brown

Through his music, Charles Brown brought about an evolution that changed the American music world. When his soft-toned soulful blues music was introduced during the 1940s, little did he know that it would create a new genre to the otherwise existing rock and roll era. What he began as a pianist in a trio band graduated to numerous chart-hitting individual trio and solo albums under various labels. His liking towards music started during childhood which culminated in the youth, after taking up and quitting different jobs. Although the blues-style music, combined with light rhythmic piano and smooth vocals, saw recognition during its initial launch years, but Charles Brown infused his own individual touch through his mournful voice, with hints of polished and sophisticated tones often known as ‘nightclub blues’ or ‘cocktail blues’. Apart from his regular R&B singles hitting the music charts, his seasonal-themed songs also brought him fame and glory in the West Coast, despite being a Texas resident. His style played an influential role in South California, with his disciples and future performers, like Cecil Gant, Amos Milburn, Percy Mayfield, Ray Charles, and Floyd Dixon adopting his techniques. Such was his jazz-inflected sound that it made for a perfect background for late-night joints.