Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BROWN, Nacio Herb

(b 22 Feb. 1896, Deming NM; d 28 Sep. '64) Songwriter, mainly for films. Raised in LA; toured as piano accompanist; started tailoring business and wrote songs. Early success 'When Buddha Smiles' '21 later a Swing Era hit for Benny Goodman. Talking films Broadway Melody ('You Were Meant For Me'), Hollywood Revue ('Singin' In The Rain'), Untamed ('Pagan Love Song') made reputation, all '29. Collaborated with lyricists Buddy DeSylva, Gus Kahn (b 6 Nov. 1886, Coblenz, Germany; d 8 Oct. '41), Arthur Freed (b 9 Sep. 1894, Charleston SC; d 12 April '73), others. Among many hits: 'You're An Old Smoothie' and 'Turn Out The Lights' '32, 'Temptation' and 'All I Do Is Dream Of You' '34, 'You Are My Lucky Star' '35, 'You Stepped Out Of A Dream' '41, 'Make 'Em Laugh' '52 for film Singin' In The Rain prod. by Freed, which revived the title song.