Brown, Steve (Theodore)
Brown, Steve (Theodore)
Brown, Steve (Theodore), early jazz bassist, brother of Tom Brown; b. New Orleans, Jan. 13, 1890; d. Detroit, Sept. 15, 1965. Steve originally played tuba in his brother’s band, then string bass. In May 1915, the band went to Chicago. He continued to work with his brother while playing with other local bands over the next decade. In 1923, Brown joined the New Orleans Rhythm Kings replacing Arnold Loyacano. He was with Jean Goldkette from 1924-28, with a brief respite to play with Paul Whiteman (October 1927-February 1928). In 1929, he settled in Detroit, freelancing with many local bands, also occasionally leading his own band in the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1950s, he played with several Dixieland revival bands. His popping sound and tricky rhythms enlivened recordings of the Wolverines and Whiteman.
Discography
Wolverines:Tiger Rag. Whiteman: From Monday On.
—John Chilton, Who’s Who of Jazz/Lewis Porter