Benjamin Franklin Brown, 72, a bassist and a member of Local 802 since 1978, died on Oct. 28, 2024.

An accomplished bassist and composer, Mr. Brown was one of New York’s most distinguished musicians. Mr. Brown graduated from the University of Miami, and began working professionally with Barney Kessel, Mose Allison, Freddie Hubbard, Lou Rawls and Buddy Rich. In 1976, he  began a three-year stint with the Dizzy Gillespie Quartet. Mr. Brown’s credits include James Brown, Al Green, the Jimmy Heath Quartet, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Al Haig, George Benson, Tony Bennett, Mike Longo Trio, Gregory Hines, Ruth Brown, Blossom Dearie, and Lena Horne’s “The Lady and Her Music.” On and off Broadway shows include: “The Color Purple,” “Sophisticated Ladies” (The Duke Ellington Orchestra), “Singing in the Rain,” “Jelly’s Last Jam” and “Thou Shalt Not” (Harry Connick, Jr.). Mr. Brown’s movie credits include “Sweet & Lowdown,” directed by Woody Allen, and “The Good Shepherd,” directed by Robert De Niro.

The family prepared a video tribute to Mr. Brown that can be downloaded here.

Survivors include his wife Sheyvonne, brother Ron, sister Pat and a niece. (More survivors will be added to this list as we learn of them. Send survivor information to this magazine at Allegro@Local802afm.org)