He took up formal drum instruction at age 10 and began studying jazz two years later, citing the work of masters like Art Blakey, PhillyJoeJones, Max Roach, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones and Roy Haynes as early influences.
There are few better examples of Brown's greatness than the three choruses he throws off on 'Brownie Speaks', the fourth title cut at the 9 June 1953 date, which the trumpeter is accredited as co-leading with Lou Donaldson (Elmo Hope, Percy Heath and PhillyJoeJones in the rhythm section).