Maggie Brown (singer) facts for kids

Maggie Brown, born on February 10, 1963, is an American singer. She is also a spoken word artist and a music producer. Maggie sings many types of music. These include jazz, blues, R&B, and soul. She also performs spoken word art. People say her voice is unique and special. Maggie learned a lot from her father, Oscar Brown Jr., who was also a famous artist. She also learned from Abbey Lincoln. Maggie uses music to teach people. She calls this "edutainment," a word her father taught her. She often gives talks about music and African American music history. Maggie performs with her sister, Africa Brown. They share their own songs and their father's songs.

Growing Up in Chicago

Maggie Brown was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Her home was always full of music. She often saw rehearsals and jam sessions. Maggie is the daughter of Oscar Brown Jr. and Maxine Fleming. She studied music, theater, and singing. She went to Columbia College Chicago. Maggie was only 15 when she first performed professionally. Her first big show was at the Body Politic Theatre in Chicago.

Maggie's Music Career

In 1995, Maggie Brown started her own record label. It was called Mag Pie Records. She released her first album, From My Window, in 1995. This album was nominated for a Chicago Music Award. It was nominated for Best Jazz CD that year. In 1996, she was nominated again. This time it was for Best Jazz Performer.

In 1998, Maggie performed with her father. They were at the Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York City. That same year, she sang a duet with Abbey Lincoln. This song was on the album Wholly Earth. It came out in 1999. Maggie has also sung duets with Jonathan Butler. They performed on the Urban Knights album, Urban Knights II.

Legacy: A One-Woman Show

Maggie Brown has a special show she performs by herself. It is called 'Legacy'. This show tells the story of African American music. It covers many different styles and types of music. She has toured with her show, Legacy: Our Wealth of Music, for over 19 years. Maggie uses her art to teach people of all ages. She teaches them about life, history, and music.

In 2015, the Brown family performed together. Maggie and Africa Brown were part of this event. It was for the naming of Harper Street. This street, between 52nd and 53rd, was named Oscar Brown Jr. Way.

Bringing Back the Blue Gargoyle

In 2016, Maggie and her sister Africa worked together. They helped bring back the Blue Gargoyle. This was a community center in Hyde Park. It had closed in 2009. The center used to offer job training and family help. It also had music and art classes. The Blue Gargoyle first opened in 1965.

The Brown sisters have created community shows. These shows are like the work their father did. He helped young talented people get noticed. In 1967, Oscar Brown Jr. worked with the Blackstone Rangers. This was a group in Chicago. They created a musical called "Opportunity Please Knock". About 8,000 people saw the show. It was performed at The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago.

Maggie's Family Life

Maggie Brown's aunt is the actress Judy Pace.

Maggie's recording of "The Snake" was written by her father. She recorded it with her siblings, Africa and Oscar III. This song was used at some political rallies. The Brown family asked for the song not to be used. The song is about a woman who helps a snake that then turns on her. Maggie and Africa Brown felt that the song was being used in a way they did not agree with. They did not like how the song's message was changed.

Awards and Recognitions

• Her first CD, From My Window, was nominated for a Chicago Music Award.

Musical Connections

Maggie Brown has performed with many artists. She is part of a group called Eleven Jazzy Divas. She has also recorded music with:

• Kelan Phil Cohran
• Ramsey Lewis
• Stevie Wonder
• Abbey Lincoln
• Oscar Brown Jr. (her father)