CLASS Productions presents “Clay Brown Salutes the Greats of Soul and Motown” in concert at Kimbel Lodge, Hobcaw Barony, on Saturday, September 10, 3-5 p.m.
From his childhood gospel roots in Florence, South Carolina, where he sang harmony with his brother and older cousins, Clay Brown went on to harmonize with groups like the Soul Stirrers and the Dixie Hummingbirds. The evolution to rhythm and blues was natural and, in 1967, Clay Brown and the Invaders formed with Clay as lead vocalist. In addition to recording, the group performed up and down the East coast before Clay made the decision to move to the Big Apple. In New York, he was a vocalist with the Al Brown Orchestra, famous for entertaining at the Waldorf Astoria.
Back in South Carolina since the late ‘70s, Clay has performed with Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, Sonny Turner of the Platters, The Lettermen, Ruth Brown, Billy Scott and the Sugarbees. Now backed impressively by the Legends Band, the group is known for performing ’60s soul music across the Carolinas.
He also teaches and performs ‘50s and ‘60s music as part of a program on music history, along with Donald Ceasar and music historian Harry Turner, at public schools and venues throughout the region.
Clay Brown’s song list for the Kimbel concert will include “My Girl,” “Stand by Me,” “You Send Me,” “Georgia on my Mind,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Moon River,” and “Ooh Baby Baby.” His CD (“Old School”), which pays tribute to some of the era’s greatest musicians, including Sam Cooke and Jerry Butler, will be available at the concert.
Tickets are $25. Space is limited. For reservations, call 843-235-9600 or www.ClassAtPawleys.com.