Michael Brown (writer)
Michael Brown | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 December 1920 Mexia, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | 11 June 2014 (aged 93) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, lyricist, author, director, producer, performer |
| Years active | 1940s–1970s |
Michael Brown (December 14, 1920 – June 11, 2014) was a multifaceted American artist known for his work as a composer, lyricist, author, director, producer, and performer. Originating from Mexia, Texas, he launched his musical journey in New York's cabaret scene, making his first appearance at Le Ruban Bleu. During the 1960s, Brown specialized in creating industrial musicals for prominent companies such as J.C. Penney and DuPont. Among his significant projects was the creation and production of The Wonderful World of Chemistry for DuPont’s pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair, which was performed 48 times daily by two separate casts in neighboring theaters. He also curated a reunion directory encompassing the production’s cast and crew, including stage manager Robert Downey, Sr.. Several of Brown’s compositions, including "Lizzie Borden" and "The John Birch Society," gained recognition through performances by the Chad Mitchell Trio. Additionally, he authored three Christmas-themed books centered on Santa’s companion, Santa Mouse.
Cabaret and off-Broadway
Brown made substantial contributions to cabaret and off-Broadway productions by providing music and lyrics for Julius Monk’s revues. After an initial successful run lasting 54 weeks at Le Ruban Bleu in 1948, he periodically returned to perform at venues such as The Blue Angel and The Savoy in London. His compositions appeared in Monk’s shows including Four Below (1956), Take Five (1957), Four Below Strikes Back (1959), Dressed to the Nines (1960), Seven Come Eleven (1961), Dime a Dozen (1962), Baker's Dozen (1964), and Bits and Pieces XIV (1964). Among his notable songs were "Lola Montez," “Won't You Come Home, Judge Crater," “Love Letters Written to My Mother," “Don't Let Them Take the Paramount," and "The Third Avenue El," which received acclaim for its evocative nostalgia regarding New York City landmarks.
His musical production Is There Intelligent Life on Earth? was staged in Bristol, UK, in 1964. This show featured songs like "Blue-Green Planet," “Communicate with Me," “Serene Morning in Jersey," and "Goodbye, Old World.”
Broadway
Brown’s introduction to Broadway came with the song "Lizzie Borden" featured in Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952, which was later adapted into the film New Faces. Both this song and "John Birch Society" were recorded by the Chad Mitchell Trio. In a 2004 conversation with Julie Harris, Brown recalled that despite the song’s violent theme, it faced no objections; however, Leonard Sillman requested a modification to the final chorus.
The revue New Faces of 1952 saw a revival in 1982. Brown also penned lyrics for Pearl Bailey’s popular number "Indoor Girl" in House of Flowers, composed by Harold Arlen. In 1956, he contributed "The Washingtons are Doing OK" to Leonard Sillman’s New Faces of that year and created a specialty production number for the Carol Channing company of Sugar Babies.
In 1972, Brown wrote the book, lyrics, and music for Different Times, which ran for nineteen days at the ANTA Theater under his direction. The musical portrayed a family saga across generations; its cast recording was produced in 1987.
One-man show
During the 1970s, Brown developed and toured extensively with his one-man performance titled Out of Step: The Great American Nut Show, which explored his interest in historical figures such as John Dillinger, Starr Faithfull, Judge Crater, and Chang and Eng Bunker. Incorporating slides, film clips, songs, and dance into his act, he blended thorough research with theatrical presentation. His repertoire included satirical campaign songs alongside poignant ballads, notably featuring a musical rendition of "Starr Faithfull's Last Letter," which reflects on her enigmatic demise during the 1930s.
Personal life
Brown developed an early love for reading, beginning at age four, and started piano lessons at six. He earned his degree from the University of Texas' Plan II program in 1940, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors at 19. Further academic pursuits took him to Harvard and the University of Iowa, culminating in a master’s thesis on Wilkie Collins completed at the University of Virginia.
In 1944, during World War II, Brown joined the Army Air Forces and attended Officers’ Candidate School at Yale. His military service was primarily as a Cryptographic Officer stationed in the Caribbean, where he also composed and performed music. After his discharge in 1946 under his birth name Marion Martin Brown, II, he relocated to New York City in 1947 and began using the name Michael.
He married Joy Williams Brown in 1950, a former ballerina trained at the School of American Ballet who had danced with both Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and Les Ballets de Paris. Through Joy, Michael established a connection with renowned ballet star Margot Fonteyn.
The couple had three children: Michael Martin Brown Jr. (born 1951), Kelly Kennedy Brown (born 1954), and Adam Anderson Brown (1964–1994).
Michael Brown passed away in New York City on June 11, 2014, at the age of 93.
A Memorial Celebration took place on November 4, 2014, at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, featuring remarks by notable figures including Michael Feinstein, Jefferson Mays, and Charles Strouse.
Harper Lee
The Browns significantly influenced Harper Lee's literary journey by providing her with financial support for one year in 1956 to write To Kill a Mockingbird. This assistance came with a note stating, "You have one year off from your job to write whatever you please. Merry Christmas," allowing Lee to dedicate herself fully to her work. This support remained private until disclosed in Charles J. Shields’ unauthorized biography Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee (2006) and later confirmed by the Browns during interviews for Mary Murphy’s 2012 PBS documentary Harper Lee: Hey, Boo.
Santa Mouse
In 1966, Brown wrote the children's holiday tale Santa Mouse, followed by two sequels: Santa Mouse Where Are You? (1968) and Santa Mouse Meets Marmaduke (1969). To prevent confusion with the Marmaduke comic strip, the final book was renamed Santa Mouse Meets Montague when all three stories were republished together as Santa Mouse Stories in 2011.
- Santa Mouse (1966)
- Santa Mouse, Where Are You (1968)
- Santa Mouse Meets Marmaduke (1969)
- Santa Mouse Treasury (1970)
- Santa Mouse Stories (2011)
Discography
Released LP Albums
- Michael Brown Sings his Own Songs, 1956
- Michael Brown: Alarums & Excursions, 1963
Industrial Musical LP Productions
- Fall Fashion Forecast, 1957, commissioned by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
- It’s Holiday Time! produced for Holiday Magazine
- Lead the Carefree Life... In the Holiday Mood, 1957, created for E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company alongside Holiday Magazine
- Paris Affair, 1958, for Andrew Arkin Fashions
- Sing A Song of Sewing, 1960, commissioned by Donahue Sales Corporation
- Just Wear a Smile – and a Jantzen, 1960, for Jantzen, Inc.
- A Birthday Garland, 1960, produced for J.C. Penney Company
- Penney Proud, 1962, for J.C. Penney Company
- The Wonderful World of Chemistry, 1964, commissioned by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
- Mr. Woolworth had a Notion, 1965, created for F.W. Woolworth Corporation
- Spirit of 66; An Evening with Michael Brown and his Friends, 1966, produced for J.C. Penney Company
- Big Belk Country, 1967, commissioned by Donahue Sales Corporation
- Big D Country, 1967, for Donahue Sales Corporation
- Seven Sons on a Seesaw, Brown’s ninth production for E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
- Music to Sell Dodges Buy, 1964, created for Dodge Motor Company