Music Director Vocalist

SYD BROWN: MUSIC MAN - BIOGRAPHY

Sydney Brown decided he wanted to be a professional musician when he heard a passionate argument over what key a certain song was played. So, he

studied and trained at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Musical College. Actually playing since age 12, the musical virtuoso and quiet genius is proficient in numerous instruments – electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, piano, drums, and percussion.

In college, Brown was inspired to teach and share his knowledge. His patient demeanor, creative talent and unique understanding of musical theory and practice, as taught by the late legendary James Mack, made him a natural teacher.

At Malcolm X College, in Chicago, he taught adult education, music theory and group guitar classes, for youth. He also created and directed a gospel choir, there. Next, the Chicago Public Schools realized his tremendous talent and hired him for several special musical programs. He also taught in the ALO program for CPS.

Before long, national and international celebrities came calling. He performed, recorded and wrote for such noted entertainers as Della Reese, Nancy Wilson, Melba Moore, Yolanda Adams, Ben Vereen, Gladys Knight, the Winans, the ”Iceman” Jerry Butler, Otis Clay and the late greats Sammy Davis, Jr., Cab Calloway and Lou Rawls. He was musical director for Reginald Torian (Lead singer for the Impressions) and the Mayfield Allstars 15 piece band.

Syd Brown has also used his arranging and conducting talents in concert, with such luminaries as superstar Ramsey Lewis, band leader Morris Ellis, song stylist, Sasha Dalton, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holiday and the late comedic genius, Flip Wilson.

Appearing on the Jay Leno Show, during the show’s stay in Chicago, he played guitar with the Tonight Show Band behind a 100-voice choir where he scored the music, for the band. Syd Brown is also heard on radio/tv commercial jingles and numerous studio recordings.

Some key musical assignments include writing the orchestral arrangements for the inauguration of the late Mayor Harold Washington; arranged the music and conducted a 30-piece orchestra for the Soul Children’s concert in Chicago. He also wrote the orchestral arrangements for the nationally known tenors, Cook, Dixon and Young, formerly Three Mo’ Tenors, for Christ Universal Temple’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee. Syd Brown is a staff musician and Youth Music Director at Christ Universal Temple where thousands hear him perform weekly and are awe inspired.

Founder and leader of his own band, SYDZ, Brown has assembled

keyboards, bass guitar, drums and electric and acoustic guitars. The group plays R & B, blues, country, rock, soul, pop, traditional and smooth jazz, big band and top 40, old school and new school. Performing throughout the Chicagoland area, the band plays in a variety of venues – government, civic, corporate, society, personal and just plain having-a-good-time events. The Sydz sound is mind-blowing!

There is no one on the music scene quite like Syd Brown, jazz guitarist and vocalist, extraordinaire. He continues to wow audiences with his powerful

musical renditions, reminiscent of George Benson, Norman Brown, Peter White and acoustic guitarist, Earl Klugh. And if his guitar wasn’t enough, Syd’s vocal magic takes everyone on a musical journey to a place of love, joy and happiness. His singing brings to mind Lionel Ritchie, Al Jarreau and again, George Benson.

Syd Brown: Music man -- a musical genius you’ll want to know; but more importantly you’ll want to hear again and again. And again, forever!

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