Charles Brown

1. Artist Header

Artist name: Charles Brown
Country / region: United States
Active years: 1940s–1990s
Primary role(s): Pianist, singer, songwriter, bandleader

2. Overview

Charles Brown was an American pianist and singer whose recordings bridged blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues. He emerged in the 1940s as a solo artist after early work in small ensembles and became known for piano-led recordings and a smooth vocal delivery. Brown remained active as a recording and performing artist for several decades.

3. Style and Genre (Established Terms Only)

Primary genres:

Blues
Rhythm and blues

Associated styles:

West Coast blues
Jazz blues
Urban blues

Instrumentation:

Piano
Vocals
Bass
Drums
Guitar (in ensemble settings)

Notes:
Brown’s recordings are characterized by piano-centered arrangements and slow- to mid-tempo blues structures. His work reflects West Coast blues traditions that developed in the post-World War II era, incorporating elements of jazz harmony and rhythm and blues song forms.

4. Career Outline (Factual Timeline)

Born in Texas; later based in California
Began professional recording career in the mid-1940s
Released a series of recordings for independent labels during the postwar blues and R&B era
Achieved commercial chart placements on rhythm and blues charts in the late 1940s and early 1950s
Continued recording and performing through later decades, including renewed activity in the 1980s and 1990s