Ron Brown

Ron Brown is a native of Austin, Texas, performing in such bands as Extreme Heat, Steam Heat, and several others.
In the early 80's, Ron packed up his horn and hisfamily, and moved to Los Angeles.
Since then, Ron Brown has played behind such greats as Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, the late great Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Joe Sample, David Benoit, Soul II Soul and the incomparable Stevie Wonder. On his debut album, From My Eyes Only, Brown is surrounded by such luminary guest artists as Bobby Lyle, Marcus Miller, Patrice Rushen and Doc Powell.

In 1998, Ron formed his own label, ManKind Records, and in April of 1999, he released his first CD under the group name URBAN JAZZ NETWORK, entitled URBAN DREAMS, a celebration of friendship and song.

A great composer as well as saxplayer, Ron enlisted many of his friends help make his compositions come to life. Joining him on this CD are several musical giants, including Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Kenny Garrett, Mulgrew Miller, EWF's Sheldon Reynolds, and many more.

A man who always keeps his ear to the street, Ron enlists many different styles of jazz, including Gospel, Smooth, Funk,Hip Hop, and what he calls "music that we used to play when we just threw down!!" The URBAN JAZZ NETWORK CD is one of many that Ron is working to put out on ManKind.

On May 8, 1997, the mayor of Austin, TX, proclaimed Ron Brown Day in Ron's hometown. He performed at Waterloo Records (5th & Lamar) in town, and played that night at the Victory Grill on Austin's East Side (his old 'hood). Ron is also the founder of the Urban Dreams Foundation, whose goal is to inspire and motivate young urban people to reach their potential by teaching success principles through the arts.