Brother Bones facts for kids

"Sweet Georgia Brown" on the Tempo (US) label, recorded by Brother Bones and His Shadows

Freeman Davis (born October 4, 1902 – died June 14, 1974) was an American musician. He was famous for playing the bones and for his amazing whistling. Most people knew him by his stage names, "Brother Bones" or "Whistling Sam."

Early Life of Brother Bones

Freeman Davis was born in Montgomery, Alabama.

Brother Bones' Music Career

Brother Bones is best known for his 1949 song, "Sweet Georgia Brown." He recorded it with his group, "Brother Bones and His Shadows." This song was originally written in 1925.

The song became very famous in 1952. It was chosen as the theme song for the Harlem Globetrotters, a well-known basketball team. This helped make "Sweet Georgia Brown" a national hit.

An interesting fact about this song is that it used a very early electronic instrument called the Novachord for its bass sound. Even though his song was a big success, Brother Bones himself stayed somewhat unknown to the public.

Later Life and Passing

Freeman Davis passed away in June 1974. He was 71 years old. He died in Long Beach, California. He was buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Compton, California.

Brother Bones in Pop Culture

Brother Bones' music has been used in other ways too!

• His song, "Black Eyed Susan Brown," was used in the De La Soul song, "Pease Porridge." This was on their 1991 album, De La Soul Is Dead.
• His famous song, "Sweet Georgia Brown," was also used in a Vauxhall Meriva television advertisement in the United Kingdom.