Ray Brown

Ray Brown on vinyl: the foundation of swing

In short: Ray Brown (1926–2002) from Pittsburgh is regarded as one of the most important bassists in jazz. He played with Dizzy Gillespie in the forties, was married to Ella Fitzgerald and for 15 years played in Oscar Peterson’s trio. His bass was full, sure-footed and always swinging. The Vinyl Room currently has 7 Ray Brown records.

What makes Ray Brown special?

Brown was regarded as a bassist who held any band together – while also playing melodic solos. “This Is Ray Brown” shows him as a bandleader, “Something For Lester” (recorded 1977) as a trio bassist at Contemporary.

With Barney Kessel and Shelly Manne he formed “The Poll Winners”, here with “The Poll Winners” and “Poll Winners Three!”. Plus “That’s The Way It Is” with the Milt Jackson Quintet and “Harlem Blues” with pianist Phineas Newborn Jr. and Elvin Jones.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Ray Brown

→ Barney Kessel · Shelly Manne · Contemporary Records · Jazz on vinyl

FAQ

When did Ray Brown play in the Oscar Peterson Trio? From 1951 to 1966.

Was Ray Brown married to Ella Fitzgerald? Yes, from 1947 to 1953.

Who are the “Poll Winners”? Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne and Ray Brown, who had all won the jazz magazines’ readers’ polls.

Which records do you have? Editions from the sixties to the eighties – 7 records in all.