User:Alvin J. Brown

A.J. Brown (Entertainer/Artist)

Alvin James Brown (born February 18, 1957) is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, artist and actor. AJ began singing ballads and reggae at his alma mater Cornwall College between 1968 early 1974, earning him the respect and admiration of the school community and the city of his birth. While at Cornwall his artistic talent caught the eye of his art teacher Mr. McCloud. He graduated from Cornwall College in 1974 with enough subjects to enter the Jamaica School of Art but had to enter the mandatory two years National Youth Service (NYS) as a display artist at the St. James Parish Library. He would lead a double life as a display artist in the days and at nights he assumed the role of lead singer for the host band at the world famous Banana Boat Club in Montego Bay. In 1976 A.J. Brown graduated from the (NYS) to become the lead singer for the well known Montego Bay Band "Stamma And The Clubbites", worked with the band for two years while he prepared to enter Art School. In 1978 He entered the Cutural Training Complex (CTC) to do an Art Course and while at that institution he managed to create a performance circuit in the hotels on the North Coast. His incredible talent drew international attention in 1980 when he out-shone all his competitors at a German talent contest and won the coveted trophy and his first tour of Germany where he captivated audiences in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. His superior talent was undeniable, his charm untouchable and his success unstoppable! At the invitation of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in the 1980s, AJ toured Europe, Canada, and the United States promoting Jamaica. In 2006, he would again be invited by the JTB to promote Jamaica at the 35th Houston International Festival (IFEST).

From Glitzy Vegas to Movie Soundtracks

AJ rose from humble beginnings in tropical Jamaica to the glitz and glamour of the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on the invitation of the CEO, Steve A. Wynn. He “ruled the roost” at the Mirage from 1989 to 1996 where he sang music of all genres and showcased his versatility and wide vocal range. He sang for Paul Anka at his birthday party in Lake Tahoe, Opened the Lagoon Saloon at the Mirage, Las Vegas, Tarzans Night Club at the Golden Nugget in Laughlin, Nevada. AJ kept boxing fans and TV viewers spellbound by hitting the highest notes of the U.S. national anthem with professional ease singing the Showtime Boxing Network hosted heavyweight title fight between Razor Ruddock & Gregg Paige at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Like Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Wayne Newton, and other great performers, AJ Brown (Jamaica's national treasure) left his mark in Las Vegas. Although AJ is most famous for his amazing voice, his proficiency as a prolific songwriter is not to be taken lightly. His talent and creativity has been featured on movie sound tracks, namely “Love People” on the soundtrack for the movie Club Paradise (starring Robin Williams, Peter O'Toole and Jimmy Cliff) and “All Fall Down” on the soundtrack for the movies The Howling Part 3 and The Fourth Protocol (starring Pierce Brosnan). AJ continues to add to his growing collection of recorded albums with the addition of the CD "Voice Of Love" 2009 and “For All Kinda People” 2011. "Voice Of Love" is a celebration of 10 of the world's greatest Classical love songs, including “You Raise Me Up” and “Con Te Partiro”.

A Jamaican National Treasure

AJ Brown's voice has been featured on numerous commercials for conglomerates like Coca Cola, Red Stripe Beer, JTB, and Air Jamaica. In addition to his own Brown Cat Record Label Albums, he has completed numerous singles on several compilation albums distributed by VP Records, Penthouse Records, Harmony House Records and Pot of Gold Records and recorded for reggae greats such as Beres Hammond, “the Chairman of the Board”, Ritchie Stephens and the Inner Circle Band “the Bad boys of Reggae. He has also collaborated with Grammy award winning producers Bobby ‘Digital' Dixon, and Barry O'Hare and other prominent producers like Computer Paul, Mickey Bennett, Tony Greene, Winston and Kurt Riley (father & son), Singing Melody and most recently Inner Circle Band. He has shared the stage with international superstars including Celine Dion, Dianna King, Shaggy, Dionne Warwick, Regina Bell, the Manhattans, The Chilites, Ray, Goodman and Brown, and Evelyn ‘Champagne' King. In addition, he performed a duet with Denise Williams at Reggae Sunsplash 1980s and headlined at “Professionals in Cabaret” February 2006. AJ performed at “Take Me Away” show hosted by Ritchie Stevens alongside Maxi Priest, Wayne Wonder, Freddie McGregor, John Holt and Ernie Ranglin and was featured prominently at the “Blues on the Green” jazz festival hosted by the US Embassy on the lawns of Devon House, where he not only sang but also exhibited his paintings. Tony Rebel invited AJ to celebrate with him on Rebel Salute 2011 and the crowd responded with overwhelming appreciation to AJ’s performance. It was triple threat at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale where AJ shared the stage with Maxi Priest and Monty Alexander on “Reggae Jazz Fusion” the show was a resounding success. AJ performed on the 2009 and 2012 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festivals to rave reviews and TVJ 2012 series of “Layers of Soul”. Reggae Sumfest 2012 was the next international event to enjoy AJ’s unique style and by October 2012, AJ was invited by internationally re-known Third World Band to share stages with them as their guest lead singer. It was Worrel King’s turn to invite AJ to the International known Western Consciousness celebrating 25 years April, 2013 and first show in Montego Bay. By August 2013 Third World again invited AJ on their European tour of Poland, Germany, Belgium, France and Spain to help celebrate their 40 years in the music business.

Art and the Artist

AJ Brown opens art exhibition in Florida Art and Jazz lovers reportedly came out in large numbers for the opening reception of Double Exposure, an exquisite exhibition of paintings by singer AJ Brown. Held at the WDNA Jazz Gallery, patrons saw a different side of Brown that many weren't privy to. Brown's 30 pieces of paintings depicts Renaissance-inspired artistry intricately interwoven with aspects of the Caribbean. Brown studied art at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, in Jamaica and at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, while working at the Mirage Hotel. Inspired by the renaissance period of art, he has blended his own Caribbean roots into his works, which were on display at the WDNA Jazz Gallery, until April 9, 2011. The multi-talented AJ Brown further demonstrates his creativity through the detailed and expert blending of colors in his brush strokes as a master painter. AJ graduated from the Edna Manley School for the Visual Arts in Kingston, Jamaica and the University Of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) where he earned his B.A. in Art.

He pours his passion into his paintings, in much the same way that he does with his music. As a noted philanthropist, AJ has lent his talent to numerous charitable causes, including The AJ Brown Fashion Follies a production that raises money for needy children's charities. The Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and other Jamaican Churches Dioceses have benefited much from his talent as numerous church halls are now fully completed or near completion. With style and excellence, tempered by humility and sincerity, AJ Brown takes his audiences on an auditory and visual journey, the journey continues.