The Friday Flashback: A Double Dose of Oscar Brown, Jr.

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 15, 2008 2:00PM

Had he moved to New York to seek his fame and fortune, Oscar Brown, Jr. would have been a superstar. Instead, the wildly talented singer, songwriter, poet, playwright, and activist stayed in Bronzeville, married, raised a family, and charted his own course. Anyone who had the honor of speaking with the man, however brief, left with a renewed sense of hope.

Still, Mr. Brown's influence crossed lines of race and gender, and even musical style; Kelly Hogan was a huge fan of Brown and the reverb that dresses Neko Case's voice on her solo records could have its roots in Brown's records. His Sin & Soul album is a must-own.

Today we thought we'd give you a double shot of OBJ, which packs more punch than a redeye.

Young Man