ARTISTS of CASHBOX MAGAZINE, INC.

Gary Brown

DISCOGRAPHY

Let's Dance USA Volume 3
All Under One Roof

Gary Brown

Gary Wayne Brown was born May 8, 1950 in Mooresville, N C. His earliest musical influence was the strong gospel music in the family church. His mother was also a good singer that had a passion for music and influenced him as well. With the dawning of rock and roll, Gary was really into the sounds of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Conway Twitty, Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson; as well as Charlotte's own Arthur Smith. He kept the radio tuned at night to John R at WLAC in Nashville or Dick Biondi at WLS in Chicago, and by day it was Jack Gale at Big Ways in Charlotte. In the 60’s, his attention turned to listening to the Temptations, Impressions, Miracles, Drifters, Tams, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave and Ben E. King. Among Gary’s all time favorites are Ray Charles and Johnny Mathis, but his absolute favorite male vocalist at that time and still today - Chuck Jackson.

In 1965, Gary got together with some friends in high school to form a band called the Creations. As members left the band to head off to college, the band reorganized and became the Novas IX. As they band played during this period, Gary had the opportunity to see other groups, like the Catalina’s, Embers, Divots, and Fabulous Five. In 1970, Gary had the opportunity to join the Catalina’s. This became one of the best periods of his life as he grew as a performer and learned the craft from experienced players like the Barker Brothers. Gary still credits Johnny Barker as having one of the largest positive influences on his musical career.

In 1974, Gary moved to Virginia Beach and joined Bill Deal and the Rhondels. He would work with the group at three different periods over the next six years, traveling all over the southeast with this great show band. Bill Deal, a very talented singer, arranger and band leader, helped Gary to continue to grow as a singer and performer.

In 1980, he would rejoin the Catalina’s, and was a part of their first album, “Summertime's Calling Me". During this period, they traveled the East Coast hard and fast, and also recorded the great beach classics, “Dancin’ Romancin” and "Facts of Love”. In the mid 80’s, Gary accepted an opportunity to join the Band of Oz. He was the lead singer on “Always Be My Girl”, which was included on their “One More Step” CD. Again, Gary relates his time with Oz as a very positive experience. In 1990, Gary hooked up with Alan Brantley of Burlington, NC to form the Holiday Band. The first Holiday CD “Waitin’ Round the Corner”, featured Gary on most of the lead vocal work.

Gary was recognized for his many years of outstanding work in the industry in 1999 with an induction into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the South Carolina R&B Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Gary released his fist solo CD entitled “Brownie” in 2002. The CD received much deserved recognition by being named the Solo Album of the Year at the 2002 Carolina Beach Music Awards. In 2005, Gary’s song “Is The Magic Still There” was named Song of The Year at the Carolina Beach Music Awards.