Even with his premature death, Clifford Brown ranks as one of the most influencial trumpet players of the twentieth century, alongside names like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. “Brownie” left behind four years of jazz repertoire, including Sandu and Joy Spring who became important jazz standards.

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Clifford Brown playing in New York, 1954

Clifford was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1930, surrounded by musicians in his family. His father was a musical enthusiast, who was really serious on his children’s music education.
Brown started playing trumpet by 15, progressing and already playing on Philadelphia clubs by 18, then attended Maryland State University.
His recording career started in 1952, with an R&B group called “Chris Powell’s Blue Flames”, jumping between bands until settling down in his quintet with Max Roach, who was one of the pillars of the modern jazz Drums. This group was one of the most influential hard-bop groups and lasted until Clifford’s death.

Clifford Brown’s death is one of the great tragedies in jazz history, dying in a car accident when he was only 25. In fact, Brownie was sober and wasn’t even driving, his friend and talented pianist Richie Powell and his wife (who was driving) also died the crash.

News article about Clifford's Death