Arthur Brown

Arthur Brown is a British musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his theatrical and eccentric stage presence, as well as his iconic song Fire, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1968, competing with other popular artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. Brown's music has been compared to that of Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and The Moody Blues, and he has been cited as an influence by David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Marilyn Manson. Brown's unique blend of rock music, theatre, and visual arts has made him a cult figure, with fans including Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, and Robert Fripp.

Early Life and Career

Brown was born in Whitby, North Riding of Yorkshire, England, and grew up in Whitby Abbey, where his father was a Methodist minister, and was influenced by the music of Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Ray Charles. He attended the London University of the Arts, where he studied drama and music, and was a member of the National Youth Theatre, alongside other future stars like Michael Caine and Ian McKellen. Brown's early music career included stints with The Ramong Sound, The Diamonds, and The Breakaways, and he was also a member of the London-based R&B band, The Screaming Lord Sutch, which also featured Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.

Music Style and Influences

Brown's music style is a unique blend of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and theatre rock, with influences from classical music, jazz, and avant-garde music. He has cited Karlheinz Stockhausen, John Cage, and Sun Ra as influences, and has also been compared to other experimental musicians like Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa. Brown's music often features elaborate costumes, makeup, and theatrical performances, which have been influenced by the works of William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Bertolt Brecht. He has also been influenced by the Dada movement and the Surrealist movement, and has collaborated with artists like Salvador Dalí and H.R. Giger.

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown is a rock band formed by Brown in the late 1960s, which featured a rotating cast of musicians, including Vincent Crane, Nick Greenwood, and Drachen Theaker. The band's music was a key part of the psychedelic rock movement, and they were known for their theatrical live performances, which featured elaborate costumes, makeup, and pyrotechnics. The band's debut album, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, was released in 1968 and featured the hit single Fire, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. The band's music has been cited as an influence by Kiss, Aerosmith, and Mötley Crüe, and they have also been name-checked by Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, and Iggy Pop.

Discography

Brown's discography includes several albums with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, as well as solo albums like Dance with Arthur Brown and Requiem. He has also released several live albums, including The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Live at the Fillmore West and Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come Live at the Rainbow Theatre. Brown's music has been released on several labels, including Track Records, Harvest Records, and Polydor Records, and he has also released music on his own label, Gonzo Multimedia. Brown's albums have featured collaborations with other musicians like Robert Fripp, Peter Hammill, and Hugh Hopper, and he has also worked with producers like Kit Lambert and Chris Blackwell.

Legacy and Impact

Brown's legacy and impact on rock music are significant, and he has been cited as an influence by a wide range of artists, including David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Marilyn Manson. Brown's music has also been featured in several films and television shows, including The Filth and the Fury, The Song Remains the Same, and The Sopranos. Brown has won several awards for his contributions to music, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 1969, and he has also been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame. Brown continues to tour and record music to this day, and his live shows are still known for their theatricality and energy, with fans including Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, and Robert Fripp. Category:British rock musicians