Teddy Brown

Teddy Brown was an American entertainer who spent the latter part of his life performing in Britain. He was born Abreham Himmebrand, in 1900, and first played in the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, but move to the field of popular music in the 1920s. He also played both the saxophone & the drums. He arrived in London in 1926. The next year he formed his own orchestra, playing at the Café de Paris. He went on to play in other night clubs both in London & Paris including the Kit Kat Club.

From 1931 on he played on the radio, in films and the variety stage playing the Xylophone. His appearance was dapper but quite stout but he was nimble and often danced around the xylophone while playing. He became very popular with his audiences. He appeared in the Royal Variety Performance in 1931. He was associated with The Crazy Gang, and was often the subject of their jokes. He died in 1946.

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Teddy Brown, drummer/xylophonist, worked and recorded with Earl Fuller's Rector Novelty Orchestra (1917-19) and performed on Broadway, New York city. Later Teddy was a member of Joseph C Smith's band at New York's Hotel Plaza (1919-24) and the Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal (1924-25). Teddy also often played saxophone. He came to England with Joseph C. Smith and his Orchestra in the autumn of 1925.
During 1926-1927 Teddy led a band at the Cafe de Paris in London, making several recordings for the Imperial and Vocalion record labels. From 1928 Teddy began to make solo xylophone records, mainly for the Broadcast and Imperial record labels, sometimes with band accompaniment. He led a band at Ciro's Club during 1929. Also during 1929-1930 some records by Percival Mackey's Band and Harry Bidgood's Band featured Teddy Brown on xylophone. Teddy's solo career included extensive touring of the UK and many radio appearances. He was a very popular artiste in the 1930's. Teddy died in Birmingham in 1946 after he had performed at the Wolverhampton Hippodrome.

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