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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBROWN, Lawrence(b 3 July '05, Lawrence KS; d 5 Sep. '88, L.A.) Trombone. Grew up in California, studied several instruments; first recorded with Paul Howard and his Quality Serenaders '29 (featured on 'Charlie's Idea'); with Les Hite '31, Duke Ellington '32-51; Johnny Hodges; freelance NYC '55-6; studio work '57; back with Duke '60-70. Featured with Duke on 'Ducky Wucky' and 'Slippery Horn' '32-3; then became famous for legato ballad style. His best-known solo was 'Rose Of The Rio Grande' '38. He was featured on a '45 remake of Duke's classic 'Black Beauty'; he composed 'Transblucency' '46, based on own solo on 'Blue Light' '38; also 'Golden Cress' and 'On A Turquoise Cloud' '47. During his second stay with Ellington he took over the plunger-mute role of 'Tricky Sam' Nanton, played part in 'Mood Indigo' trio, etc. He also recorded with Louis Armstrong, Ruby Braff, Rex Stewart, Jimmy Rushing, Jackie Gleason; his own LPs as leader were on Clef (Verve) '56, Impulse '65. He was appointed by Richard Nixon to the Advisory Committee for Kennedy Center; retired to California '72. |