CLYDE BRUCE BROWN JR.

1953 - 2021

Clyde Bruce Brown Jr., son of Clyde Brown Sr. and Kathryn Gaffney, was born June 5th, 1953 in Chicago, IL at Cook County Hospital. He grew up in Independence, MO with his three sisters Maggie, Judy and Elizabeth, as well as his brother Shawn. Due to illnesses such as nephrosis he suffered from as a child, he and his family were told by medical professionals that he would not live past the age of 12 years. Later in life he would be told by even more medical professionals that his time was short. However, he surpassed everyones’ expectations and lived to be 67 years old.

He taught himself to play guitar in high school, started writing his own songs, and sang in his school choir. Though eventually his family moved to the country, which did not have many ‘musical activities’ going on, he eventually got a summer job playing bass in a country western/bluegrass band at Dogpatch USA, an Arkansas theme park. Eventually after moving to Columbia, MO, he found himself with more opportunities, and played in a local bar between acts. Clyde eventually moved to New York City where he spent time working for an answering service by day, and jumped from couch to couch by night. During his time in NYC he met a poet named Monte who he became close and collaborative with. Clyde and Monte spent a great deal of time writing songs together, some of which Clyde would go on to record and perform for years to come. Even after Clyde was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, he continued to put all his energy into music. 

After moving to Warrenville, IL to live with his sister Judy, Clyde went on to take recording classes and earn his associates degree from College of DuPage. 

In 1986, he married Marreen Buntaine, and in 1987 had his first and only daughter, Jessica Brown. During the early 1990’s he started hosting Clyde’s Open Stage which served as a performing opportunity for local budding entertainers. He felt it was essential to provide this space, bringing music to the DeKalb community, and it would prove to be some of the most important work of his life. There he gained friends and fans, many of which became like family. He spent a few years with some of those same people recording his album, The Wrong Side of Midnight which has been regarded as a beautiful and “socially relevant” work.

In between recording sessions and performances, he was a stay-at-home dad. Due to his illness, he was bound to an electric scooter which also served as the main method of transporting his daughter to and from school, which she loved. As years passed and he lost his ability to use his arms and hands, he still managed to teach Jessica how to play guitar and perform on stage. He would also go on to collaborate with Jessica, his brother Shawn and friends to perform some of his original works in front of various live audiences. He forever remained determined to express his creative talents, despite his limits. 

His family is deeply grateful for the many years of service given to him by his many caregivers, who gave him the greatest gift of all - his independence. 

In spite of the fact that he and Marreen eventually divorced, he and his “extended” family remained close. He passed away on the night of January 15th, 2021. He is survived by his daughter Jessica, his brother Shawn, his sisters Maggie and Elizabeth, his ex wife Marreen, and the many friends he made along the way.