Oscar Brown, Jr. was not a man easily defined. Labels like songwriter, composer, actor, singer, director, producer, playwright all fit, but not quite. He was also an activist, a visionary, and a social commentator. A vocalist whose technique was steeped in jazzy agility and swing, his performances were consistently witty, shrewd, musical and humane, and he wrote lyrics to several classic jazz anthems that sounded integral to them, rather than afterthoughts. 
Born in Chicago, Brown’s father intended for him to follow in his footsteps and become a practicing lawyer, but influenced by the Harlem Renaissance as he was by the Civil Rights Movement, Brown had a desire to create and to communicate. In doing so he penned over 1,000 songs, recorded 11 albums, and wrote several plays.
A forerunner of the political consciousness that would become predominant in soul, funk, and hip-hop in the decades to follow, his efforts to exact social change spread across the arts and even into government, spurring two unsuccessful but memorable campaigns for office.
Of his work, Oscar Brown, Jr. said, “Our society is being bombarded with images designed to accustom it to horror and benumb all compassion … Therefore, I am launching a creative counter-attack. Where I confront hate, I will exemplify love. In the face of ugliness, I will present beauty. As an antidote to lies, I will reveal the truth. Boisterous, bellicose noises must be diminished by hip harmonies set to moving rhythms and messages.”
Though he never received the recognition many felt he deserved during his life, his music and words have had a continued influence on a whole new generation of artists and activists.
“Soundtrack to the Struggle” is hosted by Hollis Monroe. Produced by Ron Adkins. Executive Producer is Dennis Green.
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