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Arthur Brown (musician)

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Arthur Brown
Brown in 2022 during his live show with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
Brown in 2022 during his live show with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
Background information
Birth nameArthur Wilton Brown
Also known asThe God of Hellfire
Born (1942-06-24) 24 June 1942 (age 82)
Whitby, North Riding of Yorkshire, England
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active1965–present
Labels
Member ofThe Crazy World of Arthur Brown
Formerly of
Websitearthur-brown.com

Arthur Wilton Brown (born 24 June 1942)[4] is an English singer and songwriter best known for his flamboyant and theatrical performances, eclectic (and sometimes experimental) work, and his powerful, wide-ranging operatic voice, in particular his high-pitched banshee screams. He is also notable for his unique stage persona, featuring extreme facepaint and a burning helmet.

Brown has been the lead singer of various groups, most notably The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come, followed by a varied solo career as well as associations with Hawkwind, The Who, and Klaus Schulze[5]. In the late 1960s, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown's popularity was such that the group shared bills with The Who, Jimi Hendrix, The Mothers of Invention, The Doors, Small Faces, and Joe Cocker, among others[6].

He is best known for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown's 1968 single "Fire", which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and Canada, and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100[7] as well as its parent album The Crazy World of Arthur Brown which reached number 2 in the UK, number 6 in Canada, and number 7 in the US[8]. Following the success of the single "Fire", the press would often refer to Brown as "The God of Hellfire",[9] in reference to the opening shouted line of the song, a moniker that exists to this day[10].

Although Brown has had limited commercial success and has never released another recording as commercially successful as "Fire", he has remained a significant influence on a wide range of musicians in numerous genres because of his operatic vocal style, wild stage persona, and often experimental concepts. He is considered to be a pioneer of shock rock and progressive rock and has had an influence on both electronic and heavy metal music. In 2005, Brown won the 'Showman of the Year' award from Classic Rock magazine, receiving the award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards ceremony held in London's Café de Paris[11].

History

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Brown was born in Whitby where his parents ran a guest house. After attending Roundhay Grammar School in Leeds, Yorkshire, Brown attended the University of London and the University of Reading[12] and studied philosophy and law, but he gravitated to music instead, forming his first band, Blues and Brown, while at Reading[13]. After a spell fronting a number of bands in London, Brown then moved to Paris in 1966, where he worked on his theatrical skills[14]. During this period, he recorded two songs for the Roger Vadim film of the Émile Zola novel La Curée[15]. Returning to London around the turn of 1966 to 1967, he was a temporary member of a London-based R&B/soul/ska group The Ramong Sound that would soon become the hit-making soul group The Foundations[16].

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown

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By the time The Foundations had been signed to Pye Records, Brown had left the group to form his band, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. The band included Vincent Crane on Hammond organ and piano, Drachen Theaker on drums, and Nick Greenwood on bass. Brown quickly earned a reputation for outlandish performances, which included the use of a burning metal helmet, leading to occasional mishaps, such as during an early appearance at the Windsor Festival in 1967 where his helmet caught fire, but was extinguished by a bystander pouring beer on his head, preventing any serious injury.[17]

The band gained widespread recognition with their debut album, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, released in 1968. Produced by Kit Lambert and executive-produced by Pete Townshend, the album featured their hit single "Fire", which sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc.[18] The song's success was propelled by Brown's theatrical stage presence and operatic vocal style, influencing future artists such as Alice Cooper, Peter Gabriel, and Marilyn Manson.[19]

After the initial success, the band faced challenges. Theaker was replaced by Carl Palmer for their second American tour in 1969, as Theaker's fear of flying made touring difficult.[20] However, Crane and Palmer left in 1969 to form Atomic Rooster, leading to the dissolution of The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.[21]

Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come

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Following the breakup of The Crazy World, Brown formed a new band, Kingdom Come, releasing three albums between 1971 and 1973. Their first album, Galactic Zoo Dossier (1971), was a concept album with a complex, experimental sound, while their second album, Kingdom Come (1972), had a more conventional musical style. The third album, Journey (1973), was notable for being one of the first rock albums to feature a drum machine.[22] Brown's innovative use of theatrical elements and multimedia presentations in live performances continued to influence the music scene.[23]

Later career

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In the years following Kingdom Come, Brown continued to experiment with various musical styles and collaborations. He worked with Robert Calvert on the album Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters in 1973 and appeared in The Who's rock opera movie Tommy as "The Priest" in 1975.[24] He also collaborated with Klaus Schulze, contributing vocals to several albums including Dune and ...Live....[25]

In the 1980s, Brown moved to Austin, Texas, where he obtained a master's degree in counseling and founded Healing Songs Therapy.[26] He continued to perform and record music, returning to England in the 1990s and releasing several solo albums.

In 2005, Brown was awarded 'Showman of the Year' by Classic Rock magazine and continued to tour and release new music. His influence on the rock and metal genres remains significant, with many artists citing his theatrical performances and vocal style as major inspirations.[27]

Musical style and influence

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Almost 50 years ago, musical icon Arthur Brown stepped out on stage, five-foot tall flames leaping from his head, and uttered one of rock music's most stirring lines: "I am the God of Hellfire". At that point, the British theatrical rocker who brought us The Crazy World of Arthur Brown in '68 had no way of knowing that he would come to be seen as a major pioneer in not only progressive rock and heavy metal, but the entire concept of what makes a stage show. He's influenced generations of musicians who searched for an edge, from King Diamond, Kiss, and Peter Gabriel to Marilyn Manson, Rob Halford, and Alice Cooper.

—"The God of Hellfire Speaks: 73 Years Inside the Crazy World of Arthur Brown", Vice magazine, 2013.[28]

Brown's music encompasses psychedelic soul,[29] soul,[30] blues, British rhythm and blues,[31] pop, acid rock,[32] psychedelia,[30] progressive rock, and shock rock.[33]

Though Brown has had limited commercial success and has never released another recording as commercially successful as "Fire", he has been a significant influence on artists such as Alice Cooper,[34] David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Marilyn Manson,[35] George Clinton,[36] Kiss, King Diamond, and Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden.[37] His songs have been covered or sampled by a range of artists including Ozzy Osbourne, the Prodigy, the Who, and Death Grips.[38]

Brown's voice and particularly his high-pitched banshee screams are considered a precursor to the screams of many later heavy metal singers. His theatrical concepts and stage presence, such as face makeup and flaming helmet, pioneered elements that became staples in shock rock and progressive rock.[39] Alice Cooper stated, "Can you imagine the young Alice Cooper watching that with all his make-up and hellish performance? It was like all my Halloweens came at once!"[40] Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan has said he was inspired by Brown to incorporate screaming into his singing style, stating "He changed my life".[41]

Mike Knoop, writing for Classic Rock magazine, said that Brown's singing style recalls "Eric Burdon, Bob Calvert, Ian Gillan, Tim Curry, Brian Connolly, and a smidgen of King Diamond all coming out of one person."[42] Brian Carr, another Classic Rock writer, compared the debut album's music to that of Alice Cooper and Frank Zappa.[43]

The third and final Kingdom Come album, Journey (1973), is noteworthy for being one of the first rock albums to feature a drum machine, especially on the track "Time Captives".[44]

Selected discography

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Brown on stage, 2009

Studio albums

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Solo
  • 1975 – Dance
  • 1977 – Chisholm in My Bosom
  • 1982 – Speaknotech (also known as Speak No Tech in following re-releases)
  • 1982 – Requiem
  • 2022 – Long Long Road
  • 2022 – Monster's Ball
With The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
  • 1968 – The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
  • 1988 – Strangelands (recorded in 1969)
  • 2000 – Tantric Lover
  • 2003 – Vampire Suite
  • 2013 – Zim Zam Zim (released on 8 November 2013, as the result of a successful pledge campaign)
  • 2019 – Gypsy Voodoo
With Kingdom Come
Other collaborations
  • 1979 – Faster Than the Speed of Light (with Vincent Crane)
  • 1988 – Brown, Black & Blue (with Jimmy Carl Black)
  • 2007 – The Voice of Love[45]
  • 2012 – The Magic Hat (with Rick Patten; limited edition of 200; an accompanying comic of The Magic Hat by Matt Howarth is also available)

Live albums

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  • 1993 – Order From Chaos (by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown)
  • 1994 – Jam (recorded in 1970) (by Kingdom Come)
  • 2002 – The Legboot Album – Arthur Brown on Tour
  • 2011 – The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Live at High Voltage (vinyl-only release, limited edition of 1000)

Compilation albums

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  • 1976 – Lost Ears (by Kingdom Come)
  • 2003 – Fire – The Story of Arthur Brown

Singles

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  • 1965 – "You'll Be Mine" (The Diamonds) b/w "You Don't Know" (Arthur Brown with The Diamonds) (Reading Rag Record LYN 770/771 UK)
  • 1967 – "Devil's Grip" b/w "Give Him a Flower" (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown) (Track Records 604008 UK)
  • 1968 – "Fire" b/w "Rest Cure" (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown) (Track 604022 UK), (Atlantic Records 2556 US), (Polydor 541012 Can)
  • 1968 – "Nightmare" b/w "Music Man" (aka "What's Happening") (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown) (Track 604026 UK)(Polydor 541022 Can / #68 Canada[46])
  • 1968 – "I Put a Spell on You" b/w "Nightmare" (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown) (Track 2582 US)
  • 1971 – "Eternal Messenger" b/w "I.D. Side to be B Side the C Side" (Kingdom Come) (Polydor Records 2001 234 UK)
  • 1973 – "Spirit of Joy" b/w "Come Alive" (Polydor 2001 416 UK)
  • 1974 – "Gypsies" b/w "Dance" (Gull Records GULS 4 UK)
  • 1975 – "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place" b/w "Here I Am" (Gull GULS 13 UK)
  • 1976 – "Ooh, It Takes Two to Tango" b/w "Rocking the Boat" (Arthur Brown & Aliki Ashman) (Electric INT 111.352 GER)

Soundtrack contributions

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  • 1966 – The Game Is Over (two songs)
  • 1975 – Tommy

Other contributions

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Selected filmography

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References

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Notes

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Citations

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  1. ^ Grow, Kory (14 February 2017). "Veteran Shock Rocker Arthur Brown Talks Jimi Hendrix, Close Calls With Fire". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b Simpson, Dave (17 August 2020). "'The god of hellfire returns!' Can Arthur Brown incinerate Covid?". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  3. ^ a b Lemay, Matt (17 June 2004). "Arthur Brown: Fire: The Arthur Brown Story". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  4. ^ Marshall, Polly (2005). The God of Hellfire, the Crazy Life and Times of Arthur Brown. SAF Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 0-946719-77-2.
  5. ^ "Interview: Arthur Brown on Jimi Hendrix and The First Drum Machine". Red Bull Music Academy Daily. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  6. ^ Unterberger, Richie. Urban Spacemen and Wayfaring Strangers: Overlooked Innovators and Eccentric Visionaries of '60s Rock. BookBaby, 2014.
  7. ^ "Official UK Singles Top 100 – 16th February 2013". Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  8. ^ "Crazy World of Arthur Brown – Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  9. ^ Unterberger, Richie. Urban Spacemen and Wayfaring Strangers. p. 46.
  10. ^ Unterberger, Richie. Urban Spacemen and Wayfaring Strangers. p. 46.
  11. ^ "Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards: Winners Announced". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  12. ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music. Muze UK Ltd. p. 77. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X.
  13. ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music. Muze UK Ltd. p. 77. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X.
  14. ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music. Muze UK Ltd. p. 77. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X.
  15. ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music. Muze UK Ltd. p. 77. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X.
  16. ^ Breznikar, Klemen (22 January 2012). "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come | Interview". It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  17. ^ Marshall, Polly (2005). The God of Hellfire, the Crazy Life and Times of Arthur Brown. SAF Publishing. pp. 61–62. ISBN 0-946719-77-2.
  18. ^ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs. Barrie and Jenkins. p. 236. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  19. ^ Grow, Kory (14 February 2017). "Veteran Shock Rocker Arthur Brown Talks Jimi Hendrix, Close Calls With Fire". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  20. ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music. Muze UK Ltd. p. 77. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X.
  21. ^ "Arthur Brown". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  22. ^ "Journey – Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  23. ^ "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come". It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  24. ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music. Muze UK Ltd. p. 77. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X.
  25. ^ Jenkins, Mark (2009). Analog Synthesizers: Understanding, Performing, Buying—From the Legacy of Moog to Software Synthesis. CRC Press. p. 150. ISBN 978-1420098587.
  26. ^ "The Return of the Hellfire God: Arthur Brown Is Back and Still Crazy After 47 Years". LA Weekly. 2 January 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards: Winners Announced". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  28. ^ "The God of Hellfire Speaks: 73 Years Inside the Crazy World of Arthur Brown". 24 June 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  29. ^ Lemay, Matt (17 June 2004). "Arthur Brown: Fire: The Arthur Brown Story". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  30. ^ a b Fordham, Tom (21 June 2022). "ALBUM REVIEW: Long Long Road – Arthur Brown". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  31. ^ "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown: Album of the Week Club Review". Classic Rock. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  32. ^ "Galactic Zoo Dossier". Record Collector. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  33. ^ "Arthur Brown: The God of Hellfire". Inferno Music Conference. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  34. ^ "The God of Hellfire Speaks: 73 Years Inside the Crazy World of Arthur Brown". 24 June 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  35. ^ "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown". Le Poisson Rouge. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Arthur Brown: The God of Hellfire". Inferno Music Conference. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  37. ^ Grow, Kory (14 February 2017). "Veteran Shock Rocker Arthur Brown Talks Jimi Hendrix, Close Calls With Fire". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  38. ^ "The God of Hellfire Speaks: 73 Years Inside the Crazy World of Arthur Brown". 24 June 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  39. ^ Miles, Barry (2009). The British Invasion: Arthur Brown. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 274. ISBN 978-1-4027-6976-4.
  40. ^ "ALICE COOPER RECRUITS ARTHUR BROWN FOR FIRE-THEMED HALLOWEEN SHOW". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  41. ^ "Ian Gillan: "He changed my life"". BBC. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  42. ^ "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown: Album of the Week Club Review". Classic Rock. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  43. ^ "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown: Album of the Week Club Review". Classic Rock. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  44. ^ "Journey – Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  45. ^ "Arthur Brown – Voice of Love CD Album". Cduniverse.com. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  46. ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles – December 23, 1968" (PDF). Collectionscanada.gc.ca.

Bibliography

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Marshall, Polly. The God of Hellfire, the Crazy Life and Times of Arthur Brown. SAF Publishing, 2005. ISBN 0-946719-77-2.

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