Obituary

Early Passion & Musical Roots

For decades, Vernell Brown, Jr. enjoyed the admiration of insiders, fellow musicians, and jazz lovers everywhere. Known as a down-to-earth "musician of the people," his humanity and humility deeply informed his musical expression. By age two, Vernell was already captivated by his drum set. He studied violin through much of high school before returning to his first love—the piano.

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   While at Hamilton Academy, he formed a jazz trio that performed widely and won the national MusicFest competition, sweeping all three categories: Best Trio, Best Piano Soloist, and Best Piano Arrangement. Their winning performance featured Vernell’s arrangement of “Giant Steps,” with Mike Elizondo on bass and Abe Laboriel, Jr. on drums.

Vernell’s mother, Carlita Banks Brown, played a central role in shaping his career. As his manager under Verlita Management, she traveled the country alongside him, offering constant guidance and support.

Musical Influences & Vision

   Stylistically, Vernell blended gospel, soul, R&B, straight-ahead jazz, and bebop—but most of all, he leaned on his own majestic energy, often submerging himself completely in sound. He was known for his determination, creativity, and desire to uplift others through music. One of many musicians impacted by Vernell, Italian pianist Alessio Busanca, featured a quote from him in his liner notes:

   “As musicians, our hearts are exposed and bare through our interpretation and expression... it is always important to be constantly polishing ourselves as human beings, so we can express integrity.”

This belief also led Vernell to mentor young musicians through a youth workshop he developed at the Las Vegas Academy for the Arts.

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Breakthrough & Career Milestones
   At 18, Vernell was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition in Washington, D.C. That same year, his debut album A Total Eclipse (A&M Records) launched, featuring Ernie Watts, Marcus Miller, John Patitucci, Stix Hooper, Vinnie Colaiuta, and others. Stix Hooper praised the album as "an artistic contribution of significant depth, vision, and direction."

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   His second album, Stay Tuned, also charted. He toured the U.S. with his band, The Nucleus. In 1988, Vernell won the First Bar International Songwriters Competition, besting 1600 global competitors. His prize: a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he played alongside Roy Hargrove, Anthony Wonsey, Abe Laboriel, Jr., and Trevor Watkis.

Collaborations & Influence

   Vernell recorded and performed with Herb Alpert, Jeffrey Osborne, Ronnie Laws, and Gladys Knight—whom he toured with extensively and recorded Just for You (1994), a Grammy-nominated gold record. He co-wrote Butterfly with Windy Karigianes, featuring Headhunters legends Mike Clark and Paul Jackson. Other notable appearances include:

• Caught Up in a Moment (Craig T. Cooper, 1999)

• A Tribute to Eddie Harris (Ronnie Laws, 1997)

• Dream a Little (Ronnie Laws, 2000)

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   His third release, Do You Really Love Me, featured Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters and other top-tier musicians. He also produced 13 Letters.

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The Kenny Garrett Years
   In 2002, Vernell joined the Kenny Garrett Quintet, becoming a key member for 20 years. He toured globally—performing at 40+ venues a month—and played across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. With Garrett, he recorded:

• Pushing the World Away (2013) – Grammy-nominated

• Sounds from the Ancestors (2021) – Grammy-nominated, NAACP Music Award winner

   Kenny Garrett said, "Vernell was a very unique spirit and gifted musician who loved life to its fullest. I’m blessed to have been in his presence."

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Scholarship & Spirituality
   Vernell developed The Alpha Pattern Method: A Theory of Composition and Improvisation—a reflection of his lifelong exploration of complex chords and rhythm.

   As a practicing Nichiren Buddhist with SGI, Vernell often encouraged others in their practice. Percussionist Roy L. Turner remembered, “He had perfect pitch; he was enlightened in the realm of sound.” Vernell considered Daisaku Ikeda his mentor, quoting him:

   “Art is a ‘weapon’ for realizing peace... Every drop of sweat shed for the sake of art adds to the river of human peace and culture.”

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Legacy & Family
Preceded in death by beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Vernell leaves behind a large, loving family:

• Father: Vernell Brown, Sr.

• Mother: Carlita Brown

• Children: Christina Dasia Marie Brown, Jacob Hunt Brown

• Sister: Maisha Brown

• Godmother: Mary Woods

• Many extended family members, close friends, and fellow musicians

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“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” — Proverbs 18:16