Evening, all you sons and daughters of the solstice. Guess what, gang?
Yep, we’re just two days away from single digits!
For today, let’s mix things up a bit and focus on a “Charlie Brown” you may not know.
Born Charles Brown in Texas City, TX in 1922 (nearly three decades before Charles Schulz’s beloved “Peanuts” comic strip came along), Brown was a classically trained pianist and singer who blended blues, jazz and R&B.
He created a smooth, emotional sound, defining L.A.’s post-World War II blues scene and eventually made a seamless transition from playing with a band to embarking on a successful solo career.
Years earlier, even before his 21st birthday, Brown aftfully blended his Texas Gulf Coast roots with Hollywood style, instantly influencing many different musicians.
Flash forward some 50+ years, and a few years after his passing in 1999, Savoy Records produced a remastering of a jazz compilation that became known as Charles Brown at the Piano.
The 13-song album, highlighted by signature hits “Drifting Blues” and “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby?” also featured track #11 “Cottage for Sale,” with all selections showcasing his smooth vocals and top-drawer piano skills.
Here’s to you, Charles Brown. Your music moved us then and still does today.
See you tomorrow for Day 10, friends.
JFish
@Copyright 2025 by John L. Fischer