Oscar Brown, Jr. (Finding Aid)

Oscar Brown, Jr.

1926 - 2005

Favorite Color: Brown

Favorite Food: Soul Food

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Interview Length: 171 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 19, 2000

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Poet, songwriter, and entertainer Oscar Brown Jr. describes his family background and his childhood, sharing early memories of his childhood neighborhoods in Virginia and Chicago, and describing the personalities of his parents. Poet, songwriter, and entertainer Oscar Brown Jr. provides a vivid description of his childhood neighborhood of Bronzeville in Chicago. Brown discusses his many interests as a young person, including performing on the radio and his involvement with the Communist Party. Brown explains why college was not a good fit for him, and how he jump started his radio career, using the radio to advance his left-wing political messages. Poet, songwriter and entertainer Oscar Brown Jr. discusses his life and career in the 1950s and 1960s, including his efforts to mobilize labor unions, his involvement with the Communist Party, and his early musical career at Columbia Records. Brown also details the creation and production of his first play, 'Kicks and Company'. Poet, songwriter, and entertainer Oscar Brown Jr. discusses his career path after the commercial failure of his play 'Kicks and Company'. Brown says he collaborated with many worthy and famous artists, but his own art was perceived as too political and radical, and did not achieve mainstream success. Brown then discusses his show 'Opportunity, Please Knock', which starred members of the Blackstone Rangers gang and helped to ease gang tensions in Chicago. Brown also shares his personal philosophy about African American skill in music, rhythm, and dance. Poet, songwriter, and entertainer Oscar Brown Jr. shares his personal philosophy on a wide variety of topics and expresses his hopes for the black community, urging continued participation in the arts and advocating for artistic experimentation. Brown talks about how his successful career has affected his personality, and reflects on the different places in the country where he has lived and performed. Poet, songwriter, and entertainer Oscar Brown Jr. tells of how he met his partner and wife, Jean Pace, and details their relationship personally and in performance. Brown also shares his personal philosophy about race and taxation and explains why he has refrained from making income tax payments. Brown then considers his legacy and performs one of his most enduring songs, 'Brown Baby'.

30 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)