Ray Brown: The Telarc Years

Franz A. Matzner

Columnist since 2002

Franz Matzner has contributed interviews and coverage from the Kennedy Center since 2002.

Recent articles (178 total)

Published: October 28, 2003

Russell Malone: There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. I think about him everyday. And something else too, Franz. I remember the last time I saw him alive—Benny Green and myself did a gig with him at the Dakota out in Minnesota. Benny and I got to the gig early. It was a private party, a private luncheon for these—rich people. We were standing around just talking and watching the crows and all of a sudden Ray Brown walks into the room—let me tell you something, I still remember it—he had on a black suit, a white shirt and a multi-colored tie. He walked into the room with his right hand in his pocket. He walked into the room and all of a sudden all of the attention seemed to gravitate toward him. Everybody in that room walked up to him, and it was like they were greeting a great king. And that’s the way he carried himself. Always with that quiet dignity. So, after he finished greeting the people, he saw Benny and I and came over and gave us big hugs, got in the middle of us and walked us arm in arm back to the dressing room. I’ll never forget that.

He was something. I kind of tear up when I think about him, man, when I talk about him. ‘Cause he was such a special human being.

Benny Green: I’m just very grateful for the recordings, because that very spirit that he embodied really will continue to live, to inspire, and to bring joy to countless people through the recordings.

Biography and Telarc Discography

View All 1 2 3 4 5