Nappy Brown RIP

This just in from Bob Corritore.

September 21, 2008

• RIP Nappy Brown 10/12/1929-9/20/2008: The legendary blues shouter Nappy Brown left us Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 10:30 pm. He was 78. In addition to being blessed with one of the greatest voices the blues has ever known, Nappy was a true character, and his action-packed stage performances were simply amazing. He had experienced a comeback of late after the release of his brilliant 2007 CD Long Time Coming, produced by longtime Nappy friend and advocate Scott Cable for the Blind Pig record label. He was born Napoleon Brown Culp on Oct 12, 1929 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and started his music career singing gospel before switching to Rhythm & Blues in the early 1950s. He landed a contract with Savoy Records in 1954 which yielded numerous hits, including “Don't Be Angry”, “I Cried Like A Baby”, and “Night Time Is The Right Time” (which Ray Charles would cover shortly afterwards). His music career had a resurgence in the 1980s with albums on Alligator, Ichiban, and Black Top. He also made guest appearances on albums by Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore, as well as appearing on the Rhythm Room Blues anthology released on HighTone (Nappy's photo appeared on the cover of that CD). His powerhouse performance last May at the 2008 Blues Music Awards ceremony was the highlight of that event. Shortly after that, Nappy was hospitalized; and never was able to get his health back. Information regarding his services (forthcoming on Saturday, September 27, 2008) will be posted as it comes in. Bob Corritore will play a number of sets of Nappy's unforgettable music throughout the course of his 5 hour show tonight; listeners may hear Those Lowdown Blues, anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 98.9 in Tucson, and 99.1 in Kingman. Rest in peace, Nappy.

UPDATE

From Bob Corritore

September 22, 2008

• Nappy Brown Funeral Information: Arrangements have been made for Nappy Brown’s funeral. The viewing will be 1pm-1:30pm on Saturday, September 27, 2008, with services to follow. Both the viewing and the service will be held at:

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church

1401 Allen St.

Charlotte, NC 28205

Tel: (704)334-5309

Fax: (704)376-0072

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