My Uncle Lawrence Brown Passed Away

My Mother's only surviving brother passed away in Philadelphia, PA.

He was a member of "The Blue Notes," the group that launched Teddy Pendergrass' career.

Lawrence Brown is on the far right

This is an article my sister, Belinda, wrote and submitted to the newspaper:

Legendary ‘Blue Note’ Lawrence L. ‘Pop Pop’ Brown, Sr.

Life was never a dress rehearsal for Lawrence Lloyd Brown, Sr. An original member of the R&B/Pop group ‘The Blue Notes’, which ultimately became the world-renowned ‘Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’, Lawrence was an extremely talented singer and dancer from childhood.

Born in Philadelphia, Lawrence was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. While in junior high and high school, Lawrence ran track and participated in the Penn Relays, which along with his love for singing, sparked his desire to become a performer.

Lawrence started his career performing on street corners and at school functions. In 1957, he and some of his neighborhood friends formed a vocal group called “The Bingos.” They were a popular local attraction that performed at talent shows and clubs. In 1958, he and Bernard Wilson, his lifelong friend, formed another group called the Chordsteppers. Noted for their smooth sound and fancy footwork, they acquired more success and were exposed to much larger audiences outside the Philadelphia area.

It was in 1960 that Lawrence and Bernard joined the original Blue Notes, and with the addition of Harold Melvin, a new and improved unit was born. Although much wider audience acceptance came, show business distinction still seemed elusive.

It was not until the 1970s, after more than ten years with the ‘Blue Notes’, and a name change(to ‘Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes’), that the hits started coming! Teddy Pendergrass, who had been the drummer for the group, became the primary lead singer and the rest is music history. They produced a string of hits such as, ‘I Miss You’, ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’, ‘The Love I Lost’, ‘Bad Luck’, and ‘Wake Up Everybody’ – striking Gold – then Platinum!



With Teddy Pendergrass leaving to pursue his solo career, and Harold (who is now deceased) working with another group, ‘The Original Blue Notes’ have continued to sing, perform and record. Lawrence’s dreams as a performer truly became reality! Although he will be sorely missed, this talented, funny, life-loving man will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him – and the music that inspired him.

He is survived by his wife of 42½ years, the former Patricia Parks, and their son Lawrence Lloyd Brown, Jr.

Service will be held Monday, April 14, 2008, at True Gospel Tabernacle COGIC, 1606 Mifflin St., Philadelphia, PA. The viewing will be from 6 PM to 8 PM, followed immediately by the service at 8 PM.