Oscar Brown Jr. Hospitalized

Mike Schwartz · May-18th-2005, 04:14 PM

Legendary Singer, Songwriter, Playwright, Oscar Brown, Jr. Hospitalized

Industry attorney Jon Waxman reports to us that Chicago native, legendary singer/songwriter, playwright, and true American musical treasure, Oscar Brown, Jr., is in intensive care at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. The 78-year-old veteran entertainer was recently admitted to the medical facility in severe pain and reportedly has suffered paralysis to both of his legs. Brown underwent successful 14-hour emergency surgery on Monday, May 16th to stop the spread of an infection in his lower spine. He is presently listed in stable condition recovering from the surgery, however, his prognosis remains uncertain as of this time.

Oscar Brown, Jr. is hailed as a cultural icon and Civil Rights activist, noted for his classic compositions including, The Snake, Signifyin' Monkey and his lyrics for Miles Davis' All Blues, Bobby Timmons' 'Dat 'Dere, and Nat Adderley's, Work Song. Early in Brown's career, he hosted Steve Allen's Jazz Scene USA and the PBS series From Jump Street/The History of Black Music. Brown has mentored several aspiring young performers and in 1968 hosted a Gary, Indiana talent show that led to his discovery of The Jackson Five and singer/actor Avery Brooks. In 1969, Brown is credited for rewriting the comedy production Big Time Buck White, and his musical version of the show was presented on Broadway, featuring former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in the lead role.

The Brown family requests "Prayers" from his Global family at this time and will provide a formal statement following his recovery period. For information about Mr. Brown and to send to him any personal messages you may have, please visit his web site at http://www.oscarbrownjr.com, which will also accept messages for Oscar. Good wishes from all of you will go a long way to help aid in his recovery.

Gentle Giant · May-18th-2005, 04:32 PM

Praying big-time for Mr. Brown.

hornplayer · May-18th-2005, 04:36 PM

That's really sad news. He's such a lovely man. Big-time prayers going out to him from here....

RainyDay · May-18th-2005, 04:47 PM

Prayers going up from here. I first heard his music on KZAM radio when I was a kid in Seattle in the early 1960's. Sonny Buxton used to play Brown's music on his Saturday morning jazz program and I dug his songs. That breaks my heart to hear he is so ill.

hornplayer · May-18th-2005, 04:53 PM

I know, Rainy.... I remember spending a day at his home with some friends back in the mid 60's... and then to the Club Delisa that night to hear the review at a ringside table.... Memories.......

Valerie · May-18th-2005, 05:00 PM

this is terrible news!! this guy deserves a break!! i've been a fan forever and have been fortunate to have seen him quite a few times in the past few years, both performing and at a fundraiser for the documentary that has just been produced on him. in fact, i very happily and proudly made a contribution to this long-overdue film.

i am praying big-time for this wonderful legend.

Gentle Giant · May-18th-2005, 08:31 PM

First song of his I ever heard, and his version still brings chills with his impassioned delivery.

RAGS AND OLD IRON

I heard an old rag man out makin' his rounds
Comin' right down my alley with sorrowful sounds
Cryin' "Aigs Ol' I'n!" and pulin' his cart
I asked him how much he'd give me for my broken heart

Aigs Ol' I'n! Aigs Ol' I'n!
All he was buyin'
Was rags and old iron

I asked that old rag man how much he would pay
For a heart that was broken when you went away
For a burnt out old love light that no longer beams
And a couple of slightly used second hand dreams

"Aigs Ol' I'n! Aigs Ol' I'n!"
All he was buyin'
Was rags and old iron

Whatever he'd offer I'd happily take
For the big empty promises you used to make
For the memories of you that are no longer sweet
I just wish he could haul 'em all off down the street

" Aigs ol' i'n! Aigs ol' i'n!"
All he was buyin'
Was rags and old iron

When love doesn't last, tell me what is it worth
It was once my most precious possesion on earth
Now I asked that old rag man if he'd like to buy
But he just shook his head and continued to cry

" Aigs ol' i'n! Aigs ol' i'n!"
All he was buyin'
Was rags and old iron

Noj · May-18th-2005, 09:02 PM

I'm a fan. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

kedoane · May-18th-2005, 09:58 PM

Praying here for a speedy recovery.

hornplayer · May-19th-2005, 02:37 AM

"Signifyin' Monkey, stay up in your tree...
You are always lyin' and signifyin'
but you better not monkey with our OBJ!"

oh, I don't like seeing this! It has me worried!

Get well soon, Oscar!

Ron Thorne · May-19th-2005, 03:54 AM

Oh, man, this is some terrible, terrible news!

Valerie knows how much I admire and respect Oscar Brown, Jr., who (with his son) were on the bill at my very first live jazz performance in Washington D.C. in January, 1962. He followed Jackie "Moms" Mabley as part of several "warmup" acts for the Miles Davis Sextet at the venerable Howard Theatre.

Oh how I hope for some good news to come out of this sad story.

Get well soon, Oscar!

We love ya, man.

Gentle Giant · May-25th-2005, 01:04 PM

Up, in hopes of hearing an update.

Valerie · May-25th-2005, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gentle Giant

Up, in hopes of hearing an update.

yes, continued prayers are going out. hoping to hear some positive news on oscar's recovery. it's got to happen!

Mike Schwartz · May-26th-2005, 09:56 AM

[from a good source on the yellowdog chat board]

Oscar Brown's blood infection has improved and he is due to be
released from the hospital in a few days, however he'll be in rehab for a
few weeks.

Valerie · May-26th-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

[from a good source on the yellowdog chat board]

Oscar Brown's blood infection has improved and he is due to be
released from the hospital in a few days, however he'll be in rehab for a
few weeks.

thank you so much, big bro', for the positive news. may oscar continue to improve every day in every way.

clinthopson · May-26th-2005, 12:23 PM

I hope Oscar makes a full recovery. He is a very unique human being and talent.

tristano's ghost · May-26th-2005, 01:30 PM

Great news! I'm a big, big Oscar Brown Jr. fan.

Well, OK--I'm a 6:1, 185-lb Oscar Brown Jr. fan.

Uli · May-26th-2005, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

[from a good source on the yellowdog chat board]

Oscar Brown's blood infection has improved and he is due to be
released from the hospital in a few days, however he'll be in rehab for a
few weeks.

Glad to hear that!

kedoane · May-27th-2005, 03:40 AM

Glad to hear that he is doing better