Nappy Brown was a pioneering R&B singer who rose to fame in the mid-1950s with his distinctive vocal style and catchy songs. He was born as Napoleon Brown Goodson Culp on October 12, 1929, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he grew up singing gospel and blues. He began his professional career as a member of the Heavenly Lights, a gospel group that recorded for Savoy Records. In 1954, he switched to secular music and adopted the stage name Nappy Brown. He soon became one of Savoy’s biggest stars, scoring several hits such as “Don’t Be Angry”, “Little By Little”, and “Night Time Is the Right Time”. His voice was powerful and expressive, using a wide vibrato, melisma, and extra syllables that made him stand out from other singers. He also influenced many artists, including Ray Charles, who covered his song “The Right Time” in 1958.
Brown’s popularity declined in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as rock and roll and soul music took over the charts. He continued to record for various labels, but without much success. He also faced personal problems, such as drug addiction and legal troubles. He faded from the public eye for many years, until he made a comeback in the early 1980s, thanks to the efforts of blues guitarist Bob Margolin, who invited him to tour with him in Scandinavia. Brown then signed with Landslide Records and released a well-received album, Tore Up, in 1984, backed by the Heartfixers. He followed up with more albums for different labels, such as Black Top, Ichiban, and Blind Pig. He also performed at various festivals and clubs around the world, earning acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Brown’s last album, Long Time Coming, was released in 2007 and nominated for a Blues Music Award. He died on September 20, 2008, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the age of 78. He left behind a legacy of influential songs and a unique vocal style that helped shape the history of R&B and soul music.
Nappy Brown Songs Include
- “Piddly Patter” (No.10 R&B, 1955), a catchy song that was featured in the movie Cry-Baby.
- “It Don’t Hurt No More” (No. 8 R&B, No. 89 pop, 1958), a soulful ballad that showcases Brown’s powerful voice.
- “Lemon Squeezin’ Daddy” (1984), a bluesy number that features Brown and the Heartfixers.
- “Give Me Your Love” (2007), a smooth and romantic song from Brown’s last album, Long Time Coming.
Nappy Brown did not have any biological children of his own.However, he had a stepdaughter named Debra Culp, who was the daughter of his adoptive parents, Fred and Maggie CulpDebra Culp was also a singer and performed with Brown on several occasions. She was very close to Brown and considered him as her father. She said that Brown taught her a lot about music and life, and that he was a kind and generous person. She also said that Brown loved his fans and always tried to make them happy
He toured in Scandinavia in 1983, and performed at various festivals and clubs around the world.For example, he performed at the Blues Estafette in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1984, and at the Tokyo Blues Festival in Japan, in 1996. He also recorded some of his albums in Europe, such as Something Gonna Jump Out The Bushes!, which was recorded in Finland in 1984. He was well received by international audiences who appreciated his music and style.
He recorded with several blues and R&B artists, such as Big Jay McNeely, Johnny Otis, Mickey Baker, and T-Bone Walker. He also performed with Bob Margolin, The Heartfixers, and Sean Costello, among others. Some of his collaborations are:
- “I’m Getting Lonesome” (1955), a duet with Big Jay McNeely’s saxophone.
- “I Want to Love You” (1957), a song written by Johnny Otis and featuring his orchestra.
- “Well, Well, Well Baby-La” (1959), a rock and roll number with Mickey Baker on guitar.
- “Too Shy” (1962), a soulful ballad with T-Bone Walker on guitar.
- “Something Gonna Jump Out The Bushes!” (1984), a humorous blues song with Knut Reiersrud on guitar.
- “Give Me Your Love” (2007), a smooth and romantic song with Sean Costello on guitar.
