Tap Legend Ernest "Brownie" Brown Dies

Lindsay Live | Aug 21, 2009 | there are 1 comments 1

I just received the following sad news from the American Tap Dance Foundation:

Ernest "Brownie" Brown passed away early this morning, Friday, August 21, 2009.  He was a beloved member of the tap community, and will be greatly missed.

Brownie began to dance professionally as a child, and had a career that lasted over 80 years. With longtime partner, Charles Cookie Cook, he was half of the celebrated vaudeville duo Cook and Brown. During the 1930's and 1940's, Mr. Brown headlined at New York's Roxie, Radio City Music Hall, the Cotton Club, at London's Palladium and the Latin Casino in Paris. Broadway veteran of "Kiss me Kate," Brownie was a member of "The Original Copasetics."

Mr. Brown danced with his partner and protege Reginald "The Hoofer" McLaughlin in Chicago in his later years, and they appear on a tap documentary called "JUBA - Masters of Tap." Mr. Brown was given the ATDF "Hoofer Award" in 2004.

Details on memorial services for Mr. Brown will be announced as information becomes available.

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tags Tap, Enthusiast (all tags)


Tap Legend Ernest "Brownie" Brown Dies | 1 Comment | Post a Comment
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Ernest Brownie Brown

I had the pleasure of appearing with Mr. Brown in several productions, including "JUBA" and the NYC tap Festival. We shared a dressing room in Chicago in 1998. I can tell you, he was a gentleman and a sophisticate, from the old school. He was very down-to-earth, with a great deal of wisdom and charm, and a funny guy. I am sure he will missed and  we should all remember him as the great performer and person that he was.

user icon Shoehorn | Aug 21, 2009 | rated none by 0 others

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