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Earl "Good Rockin" Brown

1931 - 2019

BORN

1931

DIED

2019

Earl Brown Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Earl "Good Rockin" Brown
Start: 2020-01-17T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Bear Creek Community Church

Earl "Good Rockin" Brown September 5, 1931 - December 31, 2019 Earl H. Brown, Sr. aka Earl "Good Rockin" Brown passed away peacefully in Stockton, CA on December 31, 2019. The son of James and Zola Brown was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on September 5, 1931. Earl was an extraordinary entertainer, musician, master showman, a gifted saxophone player who captivated audiences around the world. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Earl found a passion for music at an early age. As a youth, he was active in church and often helping direct the choir. At the age of 12, after seeing a movie featuring jazz musicians, he knew he wanted to pursue a living in show business. After nagging his mom for over a year, she finally bought him a sax. Practically self-taught, at age 15, Earl and his family moved to Richmond, CA where blues great Lowell Folson heard him play. Folson was so impressed, he invited Earl to join a national tour with his band, which also featured Ray Charles. Within two years of touring, in the early 1950s, Earl's sax solo was featured on the hit song, "Everyday I Got The Blues", which stayed at the top of the Billboard charts for 14 weeks. Earl continued to mix live performances with Fulson and successful recordings for a while before going out on his own in 1953. At that time, he met his wife to be, Rose Marie Yadao in the same year in Lodi, California. As the story goes, Earl knew right away that Rose was "The One". Well, he was right, their marriage of 59 years produced eight children: Brenda, Earl Jr., Pamela, David, Marvin, Darryl, Michael and Adam Brown. Earl's induction to the Bay Area Blues Hall of Fame took place in 1990. During his notable career, Earl has performed with blues greats, including Muddy Waters, BB King, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Lee Hooker and Lou Rawls. Between tours with the United Service Organization (USO), traveling to destinations in Italy, Korea, Singapore, Philippines and Hawaii, Earl headlined at major blues festivals around the country as well. While on vacation in Las Vegas for a much-needed break, Earl was asked on stage by comedian Don Rickles to perform impromptu at the Sahara Hotel. Earl again captivated the audience with a smooth rendition of "Georgia". He received two standing ovations and left a crowd of over 1000 people applauding for more. In 1996, after retirement, Earl and Rose moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to have access to year-round entertainment, and unlimited buffets. They both created a vacation destination for their family, relatives and friends for many years. They consistently hosted guests and visitors year-round. Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; and parents, James and Zola Brown; older brother, Willie Lee Andrews. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Zola Miller, Brenda Cox (Cortez), Earl Jr. (Ruth), Pamela Summerville (James), David (Sally), Marvin, Darryl, Michael, Adam (Theresa); 20 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 17 at Bear Creek Community Church followed by burial in Cherokee Memorial Cemetery and repast reception at Bear Creek Community Church. We are grateful for the support of our family, friends and the Hospice of San Joaquin. In place of flowers, family request donations are made to the Hospice of San Joaquin.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record from Jan. 5 to Jan. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Brown

35 Entries

Jonny king

December 16, 2023

In 9962 I arrived in Las Vegas as an 18 yr. Old on an adventure. I met Earl while watching Joe Brown training for his championship bout with Carlos Ortiz. Earl invited me to come hear him at the Louisiana club where he led the house. The band played the music I love. It was thrilling to be there, and Earl kind of took me under his wing. I´d walk over to the west side Almost every night to hang , and at the end of the night , often times Earl would run me `home´, to the Yucca motel in his Cadillacs.
The next morning I would get up to work bussing tables at the Tropicana or Riviera. During that brief time in Vegas I also heard Dinah Washington at the Thunderbird lounge, and Louis ARMSTRONG at the Riviera. Fabulous memories for me. I hopped a freight out of town in April of `62 which took me to Amarillo, Texas.

Sunshine Kerkenes

December 13, 2023

Mr. Brown was the reason I graduated highschool. Without his guidance and him believing in me I would have never made it. He was an amazing man who touched so many lives. I never heard an unkind word from him or about him. The world is duller without his light. Thank you Mr. Brown for you pushing me to be better than I was. Even 30 yrs later in grateful for your influence. May you rest in peace.
Much love,
The previous Sunshine Groves
Now Sunshine Kerkenes

Mike Stirewalt

July 30, 2021

His group and music was an important part of my teen-age years growing up in Anchorage, AK. Earl was always featured at the Mermaid Club there on 4th Avenue.

I called him up and talked for some time with him once they'd moved to Vegas in retirement. So sorry to see him go . . . but happens to use all.

Jonny king

October 30, 2020

In 1962 as an 18 yr. old, earl took me under his wing. I was working on the strip bussing tables. At night I would walk over to the west side to the Louisiana club to hear earl and his band. What a thrill it was. The music was so happening as the band. Played many r and b hits that I loved after the last set earl would dr I’ve me back to the yucca motel where I was staying. We had met at the thunderbird hotel wher e we were wat Ching joe brown pre pare for a fight with Carlos Ortiz. We struck up a conversation action, and earl invited me d own to the club to hear him. That’s how it started . It was a. Wonderful time for a giant music fan like myself. I la ter bec American. A drummer, and music has remained centr. Al to my life. Thank you earl. For being a. Friend along the music road.

Mike Stirewalt

August 18, 2020

Grew up in Anchorage, Alaska listening to Good Rockin' Brown headlining at the Mermaid Room, his "home" venue when in Anchorage. Talked to him later when he'd retired to Las Vegas and he invited me over to his house and a invitation or two to listen to his newest albums. My mom, who had introduced me to him back in Anchorage, was too concerned about her age to go with me. I guess she she knew Brown she was a lot younger and was ashamed of being old. Now that I'm getting old I think I understand.

Those times at the Mermaid Room were quite something.

I'm glad he lived a long life. So many musicians often don't.

Georgia Baxter

January 17, 2020

I met Earl Good Rockin Brown on an early morning about 6:00 at Stagg High in Stockton. I was a Country Bumpkin ( was ...is something I shouldn't claim...I still am!) who was exploring my brand new first real job with a school district. I had been Substituting through a tough 4 year divorce all over Northern Calif. and had been picked up by the State to reduce classroom size in 9th grade English. I had avoided Stockton jobs as it was was a few months after The Cleveland School shooting. Wandering around the campus exploring, to feel a tad bit more familiar with the campus, my newbie nervous belly was telling me my that my big girl panties weren't big enough and figured a glimpse at the teachers lounge bathroom was a for sure. I quickly beelined for what I thought might be the cafeteria, and found the teachers bathroom and bolted to the ladies cubicles. As I pondered running back to Chico and leaving a brand new love in my life for safety...I thought who had unlocked the door so early? As I looked at the safe enclosure as my barricade from life...I heard someone jammin' on a piano! It took me a minute to think about coming out to the first stranger at this new place. I saw this guy just having a ball playing piano, and made a door slam so I wouldn't startle him, and said, Just don't tell me you know Georgia on my mind...by Ray Charles; it'll break my heart! Earl said, I played with Ray Charles for 7 years. Yes, the man broke my heart, you see my Dad grew up in the Mid- West and he raised me on The Ink Spots, Ray Charles, Marty Robbins and the good Country. I was named after my Mother, who's name was Georgia. I don't need to say anything else except one New Years bash at the Stockton Inn Years later, he stopped playing and I thought it was an intermission, but no: Earl stopped the music to introduce his version of Georgia and then told the crowd he had a Georgia to sing to. Your Dad gave me the courage to look at Stockton with different eyes and think it had not just decent people, but loving arms that had a welcome for me within. He was such a loving caring man that I miss sorely. Bless him and my condolences for your loss. He's up playing in the band now!

Rock on!

Johneen Mayfield Jones

January 17, 2020

RIP my friend. Prayers for peace and acceptance to friends and family for we all know where your journey takes you now; on to glory. It was both a pleasure and honor to have performed with you bringing crowds to their feet while you walked the bars blowing your horn and I on stage singing my young heart out! What an experience each time! Even visiting you and your wife in Vegas at your lovely home was a special time for my husband and I full of hope performing at the famous Moulin Rouge.. Times I'll never forget. Heaven was missing an Angel and now you're home having completed your assignment to bring joy to so many hearts. You'll be missed, but never forgotten! With love, Min. Johneen Mayfield Jones, AKA, J'NEEN,(Johnny Heartsman and Night Feast)

Gilbert and Tina

January 17, 2020

To our dear brother in-law Earl, may you rest in heaven and your musician star shine brightly forever. We miss and love you always. With love and care, to the entire family. Gilbert and Tina

Susan Baker

January 16, 2020

In the spotlight his memory remains the last performance is the grandest of all showrooms high in the heavenshis beautiful wife awaits no more glory-glory we rejoice and praise his life's work made people happyso no tears of sadnessas his love is in our heart for eternity ♡

Rose & Earl, "thank you" were a constant support while raising our daughter's ♡ Time does tell all things♡

Susan Baker

January 16, 2020

Celebrate Earl's Legacy, he worked hard for it!

Susan Baker

January 16, 2020

Always willing to play a song at family holiday gatherings ♡

Susan Baker

January 16, 2020

My sincere condolences to Earl's family. He was one of a kind. Shirley Washington

Jose Galvan

January 16, 2020

RIP Mr. Brown. I'll always remember you in the hallways of Stagg high School. You were by far the best (and coolest) hall monitor around. Thanks for everything.

Earl at the Louisiana Club, N. Las Vegas Oct 22 2009

Dan Kochakian

January 14, 2020

To Earl's extended family I express my sympathy on his passing. I had the pleasure of interviewing Earl at his home in October, 2009, for a cover feature article in Blues & Rhythm magazine. We had a great time together with Earl telling stories of his days with Ray Charles and Lowell Fulson. What had initially been planned as a couple hours of Q&A turned into an all-afternoon affair with us going to lunch and then Earl taking me on a tour of North Las Vegas and the buildings of the clubs he played. I'm pleased that David carried on the alto sax tradition, and my wife and I have seen him perform in Las Vegas several times in the last few years. I have many of Earl's records so will be able to reminisce while I enjoy his music. I say goodbye to a great musician and a wonderful man.

John deOcampo

January 11, 2020

Hello, my name is John aka Johnny. I remember when I first met Mr Brown, it was at the greenhouse mall right there caddy corner from the courthouse in downtown Stockton. The alder market was in there at first till the business had exchanged owners and renamed it main street bar&grill right on the corner of main st and San Joaquin st. They were looking for something to help the business in the evening on weekends, and so Mr"Downtown"Earl Brown walks in with a friend,who just happened to be our Coors light vendor,Mr Percy and I so apologize for not remembering his last name but you know who you are lol. Percy had mentioned and referred Earl to my head chef and hired him on the spot to perform that Thursday and Friday and the following same nights till the restaurant itself called it quits. Little did I know that Mr Earl played with another performer who played percussion which turned out to be Mr Percy! So the rest of those nights were awesome having good busy nights and some slow but no matter the difference Mr Earl and Mr Percy still showed and entertained because the crowd arrived to enjoy the jazz,blues and always played my request everytime I asked and i only know and grown to like these songs Qqtill this day ever since I first heard them play "the lady from ipanima" and most especially " let's go get stoned". I am very honored to have been blessed to meet as well as proud to have known Earl and that he is and always will be a close personal friend of mine. God Bless you Downtown, We Will miss you.
I Love You Brother!!
Always,
John deOcampo

P.S. To the Brown family, please accept my condolences for your great loss. I have the utmost respect this man that will never change or go away and also was and is a blessing to have known Mr Earl. My heart and prayers go out to you all and God Bless all of you.. thank you

Mia Jenkins

January 10, 2020

We are extremely sorry to hear of your loss. What an amazing man. We love and adore your family. Our sincere condolences.

Shawn, Mia and Alexis Jenkins

Jacqueline Stewart

January 9, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss.

Mr. Earl "Good Rockin" Brown.

A true talented individual.

We have enjoyed his music over the years. When he played the sax, he truly shared his talent with us.

Growing up in the neighborhood, we all call him Papa Brown, and her Ma Rose. from McKinley Elem. Marshall Jr. High, Edison High School UOP, and beyond.

My prayers are with this most talented family and my condolences for your loss.

stephanie jimenez

January 9, 2020

Mr. Brown was loved by all the students at Stagg High. He was the coolest! I remember having the opportunity to see him play at an assembly along with I think his son. although I have not seen him in years he crossed my mind once in awhile! My prayers are with you all and my condolences to you also. He touched my life in a way that I will always be thankful for!

Alfonso L. Alcala

January 8, 2020

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Barbara Conyers-Cook

January 8, 2020

I had the opportunity to know Earl through Rose. We were co-workers. Prior to that, I substituted their son, Marvin at Hamilton, when I first got out of school.
We developed a great friendship. My family even went to Vegas to see Both Earl and Rose.
I got the chance to see Earl this past May in Vegas. He got up to dance while his sons played at the Piano Bar. It was great seeing him, and talking with him.
My condolences to the Brown family. I will forever remember and love your parents.

January 8, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Rene Armendariz (aka Ramirez)

January 7, 2020

Condolences to the family. Earl was one of a kind he will be truly missed. Much love & prayers to the family ♥

Lynette Lewis

January 7, 2020

Rest easy Earl Brown forever in our souls

Mary Numa

January 7, 2020

Mr. Earl "good rockin" Brown, was a Las Vegas staple. He always got a standing ovation at shows, when ever he showed up! R.I.P. Mr. Horn Man! Heaven is Jumpin'

Don & Alicia Vasquez

January 6, 2020

Our Condolences to The Brown Family. I have know the Brown family for over 47 years. Marched Commodores drum & bugle with Earl jr. and played in jazz band & Music masters with David.Mr. Brown and his family were always good to me. I am glad to have known them all this time.the Music that was made with all of us and the friendship we have is special and precious. Rest in peace Mr. Brown you and your wife Rose (R.I.P.)have brought a beautiful family into this world and have made alot of people happier. Go with God :)

Marsha Proctor

January 6, 2020

I loved his music. He made that saxophone come to life. My condolences and love to his family.

Denise Sanders

January 6, 2020

I remember Mr. Brown at our home 50 years ago working with my dad the late great John Henry Lewis Jr. Rest in soul heaven.

Denise Lewis Sanders

Andy Rallojay

January 6, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. Earl and Rose were the best. My family and I send the brown family love, blessings and prayers at this time of sadness and loss. Rest in peace Earl "Good Rockin" Brown. Thank so much for your music. God bless you until we all meet again.

January 6, 2020

Mr Brown not only shared his musical talents with the world he changed the lives of thousands of students while he worked at Stagg high school. When I wasn't doing my best he would not let me cut school for anything. Catch me every time and no matter how far I ran away off campus he would catch me and bring me back. Later when I got my head on straight and was doing well in school he would let me leave and wave, tell me to have a great day. I think he took pride in each one of us that graduated knowing he had a part in that success. He had a knowing, if the student needed that extra guidance or not. Your light made the world a better place Mr Brown and now all those lights carry on and make ripples of kindness. Heaven will be more lively now. So glad to have crossed your path. My deepest condolences to his family. Rest easy. A life well lived

Tanya Gover

January 6, 2020

I'm so sorry to see this, your Dad was something else! Always kind, loving and had the best smile. He's with Rose and no doubt extremely happy. All my love and big hugs to you all.

Tanya
(Blake's Mom)

January 5, 2020

Rich and I just love you. Sweetest man ever. Thank you for always entertaining us, we appreciated your friendship and your music. God bless you and your sweet Rose. Condolences to the family❤
Until we meet again,
Rich and Sharon Calone

Joseph Brown

January 5, 2020

I meet Mr.Brown at Stagg High School. There isn't bad to can say about him, always was the in good Spirit. That was a bad man on that saxophone!!! I remember him telling all the places been to play. My friends would make jokes talking about here come your grandpa because my last name is Brown lol Rip good Rockin Earl Brown

Ray Ortega

January 5, 2020

Mr. Brown I am glad to have the pleasure to have met you! You always treated me well and I enjoyed our talks.

January 5, 2020

So sorry to hear about this. I had the great opportunity to interview Mr. Brown. for a class I was taking at UOP. I remember calling him and asking if I could interview him. He was so gracious and well spoken. We talked for a few hours. He told me how he got started and who he met. He met and played with many famous Musician. Loved when he played at Victory Park. I. cherish and very grateful that I was given the opportunity to talk and spend time with him. Prayers to his family.

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