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Oscar Brown, Jr.
Oscar Brown Jr.
OSCAR BROWN, JR.
(Oct., 1926 - May, 2005)
Singer, Songwriter, Playwright, Poet, Civil Rights Activist
Oscar Brown, Jr. was the ultimate entertainer. He was amazingly prolific, having written more than 1,000 songs. In his own words, Oscar Brown, Jr. was ‘obsessed’ - always thinking, always creating. His personality engulfed every room he entered. So, powerfully charismatic and talented that in 1960, “Today Show” host Dave Garroway devoted the entire two-hour national broadcast for Oscar to perform live and raise money for his celebrated play “Kicks & Co.” Yet, one of Oscar’s most impactful productions was “ Opportunity , Please Knock” in which he used members of the Blackstone Rangers, a Chicago street gang, drawing the raw talent out of what many consider life’s castaways. He’s also credited with discovering The Jackson 5 during a talent contest he produced in Gary , Indiana . This legendary performer has shared the stage with other greats from Miles to Coltrane. Whether through his artistry or activism, Oscar always spoke his heart, which sometimes got him ‘in trouble.’ At age 21, Oscar became the first to broadcast minority-oriented news with his “Negro News Front” radio program. He ran twice for Illinois State office and, at one time, joined the Communist party, but was kicked out for being more 'black' than 'red'. Out of his numerous accomplishments, Oscar told me that he is most proud of the person he had become, “a standup kind of guy.”
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