Bill Brown, Band Teacher & Jazz Musician

by Michael Mason

06/28/2009

William Joseph “Bill” Brown was a musician and a music teacher, but to call him either is something of a misnomer. Bill Brown was music in motion. Jazz seemed to flow from his gestures, his manner of speaking, and just about every aspect of his life.

In this episode of Goodbye Tulsa, we visit the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and listen to director Chuck Cissell talk about Bill Brown’s melodic legacy. We also hear from Brown’s students at Holland Hall, as well as coworkers and friends.

Bill Brown died on March 20, 2008 in Van Nuys, California. He was 54.